Jean Knight

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Jean Knight (née Caliste, born January 26, 1943)^[1] is an American soul, R&B and funk singer, best known for her 1971 Stax Records hit single, "Mr. Big Stuff".^[2]

Biography[]

Early years[]

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.^[1] After graduating from high school, Caliste began singing at her cousin's bar 'Laura's Place' 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."^{[citation needed]} Her demo attracted record producer Huey Meaux, who signed her to a recording contract at the Jet Star/Tribe record labels.^[1] Shortly thereafter, Caliste adopted the professional name of "Jean Knight," because she felt that her surname was too hard to pronounce. She 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 her career was not living up to her high expectations, so she went to work as a baker in the cafeteria of Loyola University in New Orleans.

Success at Stax[]

In early 1970, she was discovered by songwriter Ralph Williams, who wanted her to record some songs. With Williams' connections, she came in contact with record producer Wardell Quezergue. In May of that year, she 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 #1 R&B hit in early 1971, a producer at Stax Records remembered Knight's recording of "Mr. Big Stuff," and released it.^[1] 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.^[1] 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.^[3] Knight performed the hit song on Soul Train.^[4]

The next year, Knight was named the 'Most Promising Female Vocalist'.^{[by whom?]} An album of the same name proved to be fairly successful. A couple more minor hits followed, but disagreements with her producer and her label terminated Knight's involvement with Stax.

Later years[]

After leaving Stax, Knight recorded songs for various small labels, but was not able to gain any more recognition.^[1] She ended up performing and touring the local oldie circuit. Things changed in 1981, when she 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.^[1] Soon, Knight found herself touring consistently. In 1985, she gained more recognition when she covered Rockin' Sidney's zydeco novelty hit, "My Toot Toot,"^[1] 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 Stateside, reaching No. 50 on the pop chart. Knight was then given a chance to perform it on the TV variety show Solid Gold. The song also became her only hit in South Africa, reaching No. 3.

Although she 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, she performed her biggest hit, "Mr. Big Stuff", on the PBS special Soul Comes Home. Knight has talent running in the family; her great nephews are (a visual artist) and Swedish hip hop artist who is part of the Scandinavian rap group . Knight continues 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. Knight's song "Do Me" appeared on the 2007 Superbad soundtrack.

Discography[]

Albums[]

• 1971: Mr. Big Stuff
• 1981: Keep It Comin (with Premium) (album) Cotillion Records.
• 1985: My Toot Toot^[1]
• 1997: Shaki de Boo-Tee
• 1999: Queen

Compilation albums[]

• 1997: The Very Best of Me

Singles[]

See also[]

• List of soul musicians
• List of 1970s one-hit wonders in the United States
• List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart
• List of acts who appeared on American Bandstand
• Guests on Soul Train

References[]

External links[]

• Jean Knight Online