Jean Knight: Difference between revisions

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| instrument        =  
| instrument        =  
| years_active      = 1965–2023
| years_active      = 1965–2023
| label            = {{hlist|Jet Star/Tribe|[[Stax Records|Stax]]|[[Mirage Records|Mirage]]|[[Ichiban Records|Ichiban]]|Aim Records}}
| label            = {{hlist|Jetstream/Tribe|[[Stax Records|Stax]]|[[Mirage Records|Mirage]]|[[Ichiban Records|Ichiban]]|Aim Records}}
| associated_acts  =  
| associated_acts  =  
| website          =  
| website          =  
}}
}}


'''Jean Audrey Knight''' ([[née]] '''Caliste'''; January 26, 1943 – November 22, 2023) was an American [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] and [[soul music|soul]] [[singing|singer]] from [[New Orleans|New Orleans, Louisiana]]. Launching her professional career in the mid-1960s, Knight was best known for her 1971 [[Hit song|hit single]] "[[Mr. Big Stuff]]", released by [[Stax Records]].<ref name="Huey">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jean-knight-mn0000812040/biography|title=Biography: Jean Knight|last=Huey|first=Steve|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=26 July 2010}}</ref>
'''Jean Audrey Knight''' ([[née]] '''Caliste'''; January 26, 1943 – November 22, 2023) was an American [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] and [[soul music|soul]] [[singing|singer]] from [[New Orleans|New Orleans, Louisiana]]. Launching her professional career in the mid-1960s, Knight was best known for her 1971 [[Hit song|hit single]] "[[Mr. Big Stuff]]", released by [[Stax Records]].<ref name="Huey">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jean-knight-mn0000812040/biography|title=Biography: Jean Knight|last=Huey|first=Steve|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=July 26, 2010}}</ref>


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early years===
===Early years===
Jean Audrey Caliste was born in New Orleans on January 26, 1943.<ref name="nyt" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://1jeanknight.com/main.htm|title=Biography: The Official Jean Knight Website|accessdate=26 September 2021}}{{dead link|date=December 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name=YU>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ZNfAQAAQBAJ&dq=Jean+Knight+January+26&pg=PA183|title=Blues: A Regional Experience|first1=Bob L.|last1=Eagle|first2=Eric S.|last2=LeBlanc|year=2013|isbn=9780313344244|page=183|publisher=Abc-Clio }}</ref><ref name=Bil>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UJYzAQAAIAAJ&q=Jean+Knight+January+26|title=The Billboard Book of One-hit Wonders|first=Wayne|last=Jancik|year=1998|isbn=9780823076222|publisher=Billboard Books|page=302}}</ref><ref name="LarkinSM"/> After graduating from [[high school]], she began singing at Laura's Place, her cousin's bar, and caught the attention of many different [[band (music)|bands]] who were willing to accompany her. In 1965, she [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] a [[demo (music)|demo]] of a [[cover version]] of [[Jackie Wilson]]'s song "Stop Doggin' Me Around".{{Citation needed|date=August 2007}} Her demo attracted record producer [[Huey Meaux]], who signed her to a recording contract at the Jet Star/Tribe record labels.<ref name="LarkinSM"/> Shortly thereafter, she adopted the professional name of "Jean Knight", because she felt that her surname Caliste was too hard to pronounce. Knight recorded four [[single (music)|singles]], making a name for herself locally, but was not able to attract any national attention. By the late 1960s, it was obvious that Knight's career was not living up to her high expectations, so she went to work as a baker in the [[cafeteria]] of [[St. Mary's Dominican College]] in New Orleans. She had been raised a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref name="Higgins">{{Cite magazine |last=Higgins |first=Chester |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tDcDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59|title=Jean Knight: New 'Big Stuff' of Show Biz |magazine=Jet |date=August 12, 1971 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |page=59 |language=en}}</ref>
Jean Audrey Caliste was born in New Orleans on January 26, 1943.<ref name="nyt" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://1jeanknight.com/main.htm|title=Biography: The Official Jean Knight Website|accessdate=September 26, 2021}}{{dead link|date=December 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name=YU>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ZNfAQAAQBAJ&dq=Jean+Knight+January+26&pg=PA183|title=Blues: A Regional Experience|first1=Bob L.|last1=Eagle|first2=Eric S.|last2=LeBlanc|year=2013|isbn=9780313344244|page=183|publisher=Abc-Clio }}</ref><ref name=Bil>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UJYzAQAAIAAJ&q=Jean+Knight+January+26|title=The Billboard Book of One-hit Wonders|first=Wayne|last=Jancik|year=1998|isbn=9780823076222|publisher=Billboard Books|page=302}}</ref><ref name="LarkinSM"/> After graduating from [[high school]], she began singing at Laura's Place, her cousin's bar, and caught the attention of many different [[band (music)|bands]] who were willing to accompany her. In 1965, she [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] a [[demo (music)|demo]] of a [[cover version]] of [[Jackie Wilson]]'s song "Stop Doggin' Me Around".{{Citation needed|date=August 2007}} Her demo attracted record producer [[Huey Meaux]], who signed her to a recording contract at the Jetstream/Tribe record labels.<ref name="LarkinSM"/> Shortly thereafter, she adopted the professional name of "Jean Knight", because she felt that her surname Caliste was too hard to pronounce. Knight recorded four [[single (music)|singles]], making a name for herself locally, but was not able to attract any national attention. By the late 1960s, it was obvious that Knight's career was not living up to her high expectations, so she went to work as a baker in the [[cafeteria]] of [[St. Mary's Dominican College]] in New Orleans. She had been raised a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref name="Higgins">{{Cite magazine |last=Higgins |first=Chester |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tDcDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59|title=Jean Knight: New 'Big Stuff' of Show Biz |magazine=Jet |date=August 12, 1971 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |page=59 |language=en}}</ref>


===Success at Stax===
===Success at Stax===
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After leaving Stax, Knight recorded songs for various small labels, but was not able to gain any more recognition,<ref name="LarkinSM"/> and ended up performing and touring the local [[oldie]] circuit. Things changed in 1981, when Knight met local producer Isaac Bolden, who signed her to his Soulin' label. Together, they came up with a song entitled "You Got the Papers but I Got the Man", an [[answer song]] to [[Richard "Dimples" Fields]]' record, "She's Got Papers On Me"; that song was leased to [[Atlantic Records]] for national release.<ref name="LarkinSM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Soul Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1993|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-733-9|page=153}}</ref> Soon, Knight found herself touring consistently. In 1985, Knight gained more recognition when she covered [[Rockin' Sidney]]'s [[zydeco]] [[Novelty song|novelty]] hit, "[[My Toot-Toot|My Toot Toot]]",<ref name="LarkinSM"/> and found herself in a chart battle with [[Denise LaSalle]]'s version. While LaSalle's version reached the top ten in the United Kingdom, Knight's version was the more successful in the U.S., reaching No. 50 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|pop]] chart.<ref name="Awards"/> Knight was given a chance to perform it on the TV [[variety show]] ''[[Solid Gold (TV series)|Solid Gold]]''. The song also became Knight's only hit in South Africa, reaching No. 3.<ref name="SA"/>
After leaving Stax, Knight recorded songs for various small labels, but was not able to gain any more recognition,<ref name="LarkinSM"/> and ended up performing and touring the local [[oldie]] circuit. Things changed in 1981, when Knight met local producer Isaac Bolden, who signed her to his Soulin' label. Together, they came up with a song entitled "You Got the Papers but I Got the Man", an [[answer song]] to [[Richard "Dimples" Fields]]' record, "She's Got Papers On Me"; that song was leased to [[Atlantic Records]] for national release.<ref name="LarkinSM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Soul Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1993|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-733-9|page=153}}</ref> Soon, Knight found herself touring consistently. In 1985, Knight gained more recognition when she covered [[Rockin' Sidney]]'s [[zydeco]] [[Novelty song|novelty]] hit, "[[My Toot-Toot|My Toot Toot]]",<ref name="LarkinSM"/> and found herself in a chart battle with [[Denise LaSalle]]'s version. While LaSalle's version reached the top ten in the United Kingdom, Knight's version was the more successful in the U.S., reaching No. 50 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|pop]] chart.<ref name="Awards"/> Knight was given a chance to perform it on the TV [[variety show]] ''[[Solid Gold (TV series)|Solid Gold]]''. The song also became Knight's only hit in South Africa, reaching No. 3.<ref name="SA"/>


Although Knight waited twelve years to come out with another recording, she continued touring and performing engagements all over the world, particularly in the [[Southern United States|Southern states]]. In 2003, Knight performed {{cspan|her biggest hit, "Mr. Big Stuff"|date=December 2023}}, on the [[PBS]] special ''Soul Comes Home''. Knight continued to tour and make live performances, often with such artists as [[Gloria Gaynor]]. In October 2007, the [[Louisiana Music Hall of Fame]] honored Knight for her contributions to Louisiana music by inducting her.{{cn|date=December 2023}} Knight's song "Do Me" appeared on the 2007 ''[[Superbad]]'' [[Superbad (soundtrack)|soundtrack]].
Although Knight waited twelve years to come out with another recording, she continued touring and performing engagements all over the world, particularly in the [[Southern United States|Southern states]]. In 2003, Knight performed her biggest hit, "Mr. Big Stuff", on the [[PBS]] special ''Soul Comes Home''.{{citation needed|date=August 2025}} Knight continued to tour and make live performances, often with such artists as [[Gloria Gaynor]]. In October 2007, the [[Louisiana Music Hall of Fame]] honored Knight for her contributions to Louisiana music by inducting her.{{cn|date=December 2023}} Knight's song "Do Me" appeared on the 2007 ''[[Superbad]]'' [[Superbad (soundtrack)|soundtrack]].


===Personal life and death===
===Personal life and death===
Knight was married at least twice and had at least one child.<ref name=Jet/> Knight married Thomas Commedore and together they had a son.<ref name=Jet/> In the early 1970s, she was married to New Orleans [[Dockworker|longshoreman]] Earl Harris.<ref name=Jet>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tDcDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Jean+Knight+singer&pg=PA59|magazine=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]]|date=August 12, 1971|first=Chester|last=Higgins|title=Jean Knight: New 'Big Stuff' of Show Biz|pages=56–59|volume=40|issue=20|issn=0021-5996|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref>
Knight was married at least twice and had at least one child.<ref name=Jet/> Knight married Thomas Commedore and together they had a son.<ref name=Jet/> In the early 1970s, she was married to New Orleans [[Dockworker|longshoreman]] Earl Harris.<ref name=Jet>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tDcDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Jean+Knight+singer&pg=PA59|magazine=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]]|date=August 12, 1971|first=Chester|last=Higgins|title=Jean Knight: New 'Big Stuff' of Show Biz|pages=56–59|volume=40|issue=20|issn=0021-5996|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company}}</ref>


Knight died at a hospital in [[Tampa, Florida]], on November 22, 2023, at the age of 80.<ref name="nyt">{{cite web|title=Jean Knight, Who Struck Platinum With 'Mr. Big Stuff,' Dies at 80|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/arts/music/jean-knight-dead.html|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|date=November 28, 2023|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/11/26/mr-big-stuff-singer-jean-knight-dead-dies/ |title= Jean Knight 'Mr. Big Stuff' Singer Dead at 80 |date=2023-11-26 |website=[[TMZ]] |access-date=2023-11-27}}</ref><ref name="Legaspi">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jean-knight-mr-big-stuff-singer-dead-obit-1234897086/ | title=Jean Knight, 'Mr. Big Stuff' Singer, Dead at 80 |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |date=November 27, 2023 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Beaumont">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/nov/27/jean-knight-soul-funk-singer-mr-big-stuff-dies-80 | title=Jean Knight, soul and funk singer who had hit with Mr Big Stuff, dies aged 80 |date=November 27, 2023| newspaper=The Guardian | last=Beaumont-Thomas | first=Ben |access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref> Her family said released a statement: "Beyond touring, recording studios, Ms. Knight loved cooking delicious [[Creole cuisine|Creole dishes]] for family and friends, celebrated [[Mardi Gras]] with several local krewes, and proudly served on the Louisiana Music Commission."<ref name="Walcott">{{cite magazine | url=https://people.com/jean-knight-mr-big-stuff-singer-dead-at-80-8406711 | title=Jean Knight, Legendary 'Mr. Big Stuff' Singer, Dead at 80 |last=Walcott |first=Escher |date=November 27, 2023 |magazine=People |access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>
Knight died at a hospital in [[Tampa, Florida]], on November 22, 2023, at the age of 80.<ref name="nyt">{{cite web|title=Jean Knight, Who Struck Platinum With 'Mr. Big Stuff,' Dies at 80|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/arts/music/jean-knight-dead.html|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|date=November 28, 2023|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/11/26/mr-big-stuff-singer-jean-knight-dead-dies/ |title= Jean Knight 'Mr. Big Stuff' Singer Dead at 80 |date=2023-11-26 |website=[[TMZ]] |access-date=2023-11-27}}</ref><ref name="Legaspi">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jean-knight-mr-big-stuff-singer-dead-obit-1234897086/ | title=Jean Knight, 'Mr. Big Stuff' Singer, Dead at 80 |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |date=November 27, 2023 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Beaumont">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/nov/27/jean-knight-soul-funk-singer-mr-big-stuff-dies-80 | title=Jean Knight, soul and funk singer who had hit with Mr Big Stuff, dies aged 80 |date=November 27, 2023| newspaper=The Guardian | last=Beaumont-Thomas | first=Ben |access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref> Her family released a statement saying: "Beyond touring, recording studios, Ms. Knight loved cooking delicious [[Creole cuisine|Creole dishes]] for family and friends, celebrated [[Mardi Gras]] with several local krewes, and proudly served on the Louisiana Music Commission."<ref name="Walcott">{{cite magazine | url=https://people.com/jean-knight-mr-big-stuff-singer-dead-at-80-8406711 | title=Jean Knight, Legendary 'Mr. Big Stuff' Singer, Dead at 80 |last=Walcott |first=Escher |date=November 27, 2023 |magazine=People |access-date=November 27, 2023}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/101088-Jean-Knight |title=Jean Knight Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More |publisher=Discogs |language=en |access-date=August 4, 2025}}</ref>
===Studio albums===
===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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|-
|-
! style="width:40px;"|<small>[[Billboard 200|US]]</small><br><ref name="Awards"/>
! style="width:40px;"|<small>[[Billboard 200|US]]</small><br><ref name="Awards"/>
! style="width:40px;"|<small>[[UK Albums Chart|US R&B]]</small><br><ref name="Awards"/>
! style="width:40px;"|<small>[[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|US R&B]]</small><br><ref name="Awards"/>
|-
|-
| rowspan="1"| 1971
| rowspan="1"| 1971
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===Compilation albums===
===Compilation albums===
* 1997: ''The Very Best of Me''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col"|Year
! scope="col"|Album
! scope="col"|Label
|-
| align=center | 1997
| align=center |『The Very Best of Me』
| align=center |Aim
|-
|}


===Singles===
===Singles===
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! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Year
! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Year
! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Single
! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Single
! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Label
! style="text-align:center;" colspan="4"|Chart positions
! style="text-align:center;" colspan="4"|Chart positions
! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Album
! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|Album
|-
|-
! width="40"|<small>[[Billboard Hot 100|US Hot 100]]</small><br><ref name="Awards">{{cite web|title=Jean Knight - Awards|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jean-knight-mn0000812040/awards|website=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=March 13, 2016|access-date=7 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313015048/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jean-knight-mn0000812040/awards}}</ref>
! width="40"|<small>[[Billboard Hot 100|US Hot 100]]</small><br><ref name="Awards">{{cite web|title=Jean Knight - Awards|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jean-knight-mn0000812040/awards|website=[[AllMusic]]|archive-date=March 13, 2016|access-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313015048/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jean-knight-mn0000812040/awards}}</ref>
! width="40"|<small>[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]</small><br><ref name="Awards"/>
! width="40"|<small>[[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|US R&B]]</small><br><ref name="Awards"/>
! width="40"|<small>[[Kent Music Report|AUS]]</small><br><ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=169}}</ref>
! width="40"|<small>[[Kent Music Report|AUS]]</small><br><ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=169}}</ref>
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| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1964
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1964
| align="left"|"The Man That Left Me"<br><small>"Doggin Around"</small>
| align="left"|"The Man That Left Me"<br><small>"Doggin Around"</small>
| align="left"| Jetstream 706
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"Lonesome Tonight"<br><small>"Love"</small>
| align="left"|"Lonesome Tonight"<br><small>"Love"</small>
| align="left"| Tribe 45-8304
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1965
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1965
| align="left"|"T'ain't It the Truth"<br><small>"I'm Glad for Your Sake"</small>
| align="left"|"T'ain't It the Truth"<br><small>"I'm Glad for Your Sake"</small>
| align="left"| Tribe 45-8304
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"Anyone Can Love Him"<br><small>"A Tear"</small>
| align="left"|"Anyone Can Love Him"<br><small>"A Tear"</small>
| align="left"| Tribe 45-8313
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |1967
| align="left"|"I Don't Want You No More"<br><small>"I Have None"</small>
| align="left"| Jetstream 739
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1971
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1971
| align="left"|"[[Mr. Big Stuff]]"<br><small>"Anyone Can Keep Living These Memories"</small>
| align="left"|"[[Mr. Big Stuff]]"<br><small>"Anyone Can Keep Living These Memories"</small>
| align="left"| Stax STA-0088
| style="text-align:center;"|2
| style="text-align:center;"|2
| style="text-align:center;"|1
| style="text-align:center;"|1
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"You Think You're Hot Stuff"<br><small>"Don't Talk About Jody"</small>
| align="left"|"You Think You're Hot Stuff"<br><small>"Don't Talk About Jody"</small>
| align="left"| Stax STA-0105
| style="text-align:center;"|57
| style="text-align:center;"|57
| style="text-align:center;"|19
| style="text-align:center;"|19
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| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"|1972
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"|1972
| align="left"|"Carry On"<br><small>"Call Me Your Fool (If You Want To)"</small>
| align="left"|"Carry On"<br><small>"Call Me Your Fool (If You Want To)"</small>
| align="left"| Stax STA-0116
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|44
| style="text-align:center;"|44
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"Helping Man"<br><small>"Pick Up the Pieces"</small>
| align="left"|"Helping Man"<br><small>"Pick Up the Pieces"</small>
| align="left"| Stax STA-0138
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"Do Me"<br><small>"Save the Last Kiss for Me"</small>
| align="left"|"Do Me"<br><small>"Save the Last Kiss for Me"</small>
| align="left"| Stax STA-0150
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;"|1973
| style="text-align:center;"|1973
| align="left"|"Jesse Joe (You Got to Go)"<br><small>"Dirt"</small>
| align="left"|"Jesse Joe (You Got to Go)"<br><small>"Dirt"</small>
| align="left"| Dial D-1026
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1975
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1975
| align="left"|"Don't Ask for 24 Hours"<br><small>"Hold Back the Night"</small>
| align="left"|"Don't Ask for 24 Hours"<br><small>"Hold Back the Night"</small>
| align="left"| Chelsea CH 3020
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"Jesse James Is an Outlaw"<br><small>"Hold Back the Night"</small>
| align="left"|"Jesse James Is an Outlaw"<br><small>"Hold Back the Night"</small>
| align="left"| Chelsea CH 3035
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;"|1976
| style="text-align:center;"|1976
| align="left"|"What One Man Won't Do Another Man Will"<br><small>"Rudy Blue"</small>
| align="left"|"What One Man Won't Do Another Man Will"<br><small>"Rudy Blue"</small>
| align="left"| Open 2627
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1981
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1981
| align="left"|"Anything You Can Do (I Can Do As Well As You)"<br><small>"Gossip"</small>
| align="left"|"Anything You Can Do (I Can Do As Well As You)"<br><small>"Gossip"</small>
| align="left"| Soulin' 1949
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"You Got the Papers but I Got the Man"<br><small>"Anything You Can Do (I Can Do as Well as You)"</small><br><small>(as Jean Knight & Premium)</small>
| align="left"|"You Got the Papers but I Got the Man"<br><small>"Anything You Can Do (I Can Do as Well as You)"</small><br><small>(as Jean Knight & Premium)</small>
| align="left"| Cotillion 46020
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;"|1983
| style="text-align:center;"|1983
| align="left"|"La De De - La De Da" <small>(Vocal)</small><br><small>"La De De - La De Da" (Instrumental, Sing-A-Long Track)</small>
| align="left"|"La De De - La De Da" <small>(Vocal)</small><br><small>"La De De - La De Da" (Instrumental, Sing-A-Long Track)</small>
| align="left"| Soulin' 1953
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1985
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"|1985
| align="left"|"[[My Toot-Toot|My Toot Toot]]"<br><small>"My Heart Is Willing (and My Body Is Too)"</small>
| align="left"|"[[My Toot-Toot|My Toot Toot]]"<br><small>"My Heart Is Willing (and My Body Is Too)"</small>
| align="left"| Mirage 7-99643
| style="text-align:center;"|50
| style="text-align:center;"|50
| style="text-align:center;"|59
| style="text-align:center;"|59
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|-
|-
| align="left"|"[[Let the Good Times Roll (Shirley and Lee song)|Let the Good Times Roll]]"<br><small>"Magic"</small>
| align="left"|"[[Let the Good Times Roll (Shirley and Lee song)|Let the Good Times Roll]]"<br><small>"Magic"</small>
| align="left"| Mirage 7-99606
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;"|1990
| style="text-align:center;"|1990
| align="left"|"Mama's Baby" <small>(Rap)</small><br><small>"Mama's Baby" (Instrumental)</small>
| align="left"|"Mama's Baby" <small>(Rap)</small><br><small>"Mama's Baby" (Instrumental)</small>
| align="left"| Soulin' 2004
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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| style="text-align:center;"|1997
| style="text-align:center;"|1997
| align="left"|"Bill"<br><small>"Bus Stop"</small>
| align="left"|"Bill"<br><small>"Bus Stop"</small>
| align="left"| Ichiban 97-422
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
| style="text-align:center;"|—
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* [[List of people who appeared on Soul Train]]
* [[List of people who appeared on Soul Train]]


==[https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/arts/music/jean-knight-dead.html References]==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Latest revision as of 18:48, 17 September 2025

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Jean Audrey Knight (née Caliste; January 26, 1943 – November 22, 2023) was an American R&B and soul singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Launching her professional career in the mid-1960s, Knight was best known for her 1971 hit single "Mr. Big Stuff", released by Stax Records.[1]

Biography

Early years

Jean Audrey Caliste was born in New Orleans on January 26, 1943.[2][3][4][5][6] After graduating from high school, she began singing at Laura's Place, her cousin's bar, and caught the attention of many different bands who were willing to accompany her. In 1965, she recorded a demo of a cover version of Jackie Wilson's song "Stop Doggin' Me Around".Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Her demo attracted record producer Huey Meaux, who signed her to a recording contract at the Jetstream/Tribe record labels.[6] Shortly thereafter, she adopted the professional name of "Jean Knight", because she felt that her surname Caliste was too hard to pronounce. Knight recorded four singles, making a name for herself locally, but was not able to attract any national attention. By the late 1960s, it was obvious that Knight's career was not living up to her high expectations, so she went to work as a baker in the cafeteria of St. Mary's Dominican College in New Orleans. She had been raised a Catholic.[7]

Success at Stax

In early 1970, Knight was discovered by songwriter Ralph Williams, who wanted her to record songs. With Williams' connections, Knight came in contact with record producer Wardell Quezergue. In May of that year, Knight went to Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi, for a recording session during which she recorded "Mr. Big Stuff." After the session was finished, the song was shopped to producers at several national labels, all of whom rejected it. But when King Floyd's hit "Groove Me" (also recorded at Malaco Studios) became a No. 1 R&B hit in early 1971, a producer at Stax Records remembered Knight's recording of "Mr. Big Stuff", and released it.[6] The song also proved to be an instant smash in 1971, reaching No. 2 on the pop chart and becoming a No. 1 R&B hit.[6] It went double-platinum and received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female; it lost to Aretha Franklin's version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It sold over two million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A.[8] Knight performed the hit song on Soul Train.[9] An album of the same name proved to be fairly successful.[1] A couple more minor hits followed,[1] but disagreements with her producer and her label terminated Knight's involvement with Stax.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Later years

After leaving Stax, Knight recorded songs for various small labels, but was not able to gain any more recognition,[6] and ended up performing and touring the local oldie circuit. Things changed in 1981, when Knight met local producer Isaac Bolden, who signed her to his Soulin' label. Together, they came up with a song entitled "You Got the Papers but I Got the Man", an answer song to Richard "Dimples" Fields' record, "She's Got Papers On Me"; that song was leased to Atlantic Records for national release.[6] Soon, Knight found herself touring consistently. In 1985, Knight gained more recognition when she covered Rockin' Sidney's zydeco novelty hit, "My Toot Toot",[6] and found herself in a chart battle with Denise LaSalle's version. While LaSalle's version reached the top ten in the United Kingdom, Knight's version was the more successful in the U.S., reaching No. 50 on the pop chart.[10] Knight was given a chance to perform it on the TV variety show Solid Gold. The song also became Knight's only hit in South Africa, reaching No. 3.[11]

Although Knight waited twelve years to come out with another recording, she continued touring and performing engagements all over the world, particularly in the Southern states. In 2003, Knight performed her biggest hit, "Mr. Big Stuff", on the PBS special Soul Comes Home.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Knight continued to tour and make live performances, often with such artists as Gloria Gaynor. In October 2007, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame honored Knight for her contributions to Louisiana music by inducting her.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Knight's song "Do Me" appeared on the 2007 Superbad soundtrack.

Personal life and death

Knight was married at least twice and had at least one child.[12] Knight married Thomas Commedore and together they had a son.[12] In the early 1970s, she was married to New Orleans longshoreman Earl Harris.[12]

Knight died at a hospital in Tampa, Florida, on November 22, 2023, at the age of 80.[2][13][14][15] Her family released a statement saying: "Beyond touring, recording studios, Ms. Knight loved cooking delicious Creole dishes for family and friends, celebrated Mardi Gras with several local krewes, and proudly served on the Louisiana Music Commission."[16]

Discography

[17]

Studio albums

Year Album Peak chart positions Record label
US
[10] 		US R&B
[10]
1971 Mr. Big Stuff 60 8 Stax
1981 Keep It Comin (with Premium) ― ― Cotillion Records
1985 My Toot Toot[6] 181 ― Mirage
1997 Shaki de Boo-Tee ― ― Ichiban Records
1999 Queen ― ― ComStar
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Compilation albums

Year Album Label
1997 『The Very Best of Me』 Aim

Singles

Year Single Label Chart positions Album
US Hot 100
[10] 		US R&B
[10] 		AUS
[18] 		South Africa
[11]
1964 "The Man That Left Me"
"Doggin Around" 		Jetstream 706 — — — — Non-album singles
"Lonesome Tonight"
"Love" 		Tribe 45-8304 — — — —
1965 "T'ain't It the Truth"
"I'm Glad for Your Sake" 		Tribe 45-8304 — — — —
"Anyone Can Love Him"
"A Tear" 		Tribe 45-8313 — — — —
1967 "I Don't Want You No More"
"I Have None" 		Jetstream 739 — — — —
1971 "Mr. Big Stuff"
"Anyone Can Keep Living These Memories" 		Stax STA-0088 2 1 — — Mr. Big Stuff
"You Think You're Hot Stuff"
"Don't Talk About Jody" 		Stax STA-0105 57 19 — — Mr. Big Stuff
(included on the album as a bonus track after the album's re-release)
1972 "Carry On"
"Call Me Your Fool (If You Want To)" 		Stax STA-0116 — 44 — —
"Helping Man"
"Pick Up the Pieces" 		Stax STA-0138 — — — —
"Do Me"
"Save the Last Kiss for Me" 		Stax STA-0150 — — — —
1973 "Jesse Joe (You Got to Go)"
"Dirt" 		Dial D-1026 — — — — Non-album singles
1975 "Don't Ask for 24 Hours"
"Hold Back the Night" 		Chelsea CH 3020 — — — —
"Jesse James Is an Outlaw"
"Hold Back the Night" 		Chelsea CH 3035 — — — —
1976 "What One Man Won't Do Another Man Will"
"Rudy Blue" 		Open 2627 — — — —
1981 "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do As Well As You)"
"Gossip" 		Soulin' 1949 — — — — Keep It Comin'
"You Got the Papers but I Got the Man"
"Anything You Can Do (I Can Do as Well as You)"
(as Jean Knight & Premium) 		Cotillion 46020 — — — —
1983 "La De De - La De Da" (Vocal)
"La De De - La De Da" (Instrumental, Sing-A-Long Track) 		Soulin' 1953 — — — — Non-album single
1985 "My Toot Toot"
"My Heart Is Willing (and My Body Is Too)" 		Mirage 7-99643 50 59 62 3 My Toot Toot
"Let the Good Times Roll"
"Magic" 		Mirage 7-99606 — — — —
1990 "Mama's Baby" (Rap)
"Mama's Baby" (Instrumental) 		Soulin' 2004 — — — — Non-album single
1997 "Bill"
"Bus Stop" 		Ichiban 97-422 — — — — Shaki De Boo-Tee
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

See also

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Script error: No such module "Unsubst".Template:Cbignore
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b c d e f g h Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Template:Jean Knight Template:Authority control

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