Jean Knight, 'Mr. Big Stuff' singer, dies at 80 in 2021

New Orleans soul singer Jean Knight, known for "Mr. Big Stuff," has died at 80. Fans mourn her legacy. Funeral details unknown.

Jean Knight, a beloved soul singer from New Orleans, has passed away at the age of 80. Her 1971 hit "Mr. Big Stuff" made her a musical powerhouse and an integral part of New Orleans' music legacy.

Her family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians are mourning the loss of the Grammy-nominated singer. Knight died of natural causes in Tampa, Florida, where she had been living, according to family representative Mona Giamanco.

In a statement, Knight's family said that her legacy goes beyond her musical talent, as it is a testament to the enduring love between an artist, her hometown, and the fans who adored her.

Knight began her career in New Orleans, singing in her cousin's bar shortly after graduating from high school. Her chart-topping anthem "Mr. Big Stuff" reached No. 1 on Billboard's R&B chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 pop chart, earning her a Grammy nomination for best female R&B vocal performance in 1972.

She went on to record several more albums, including hits like "(Don't Mess With) My Toot Toot" and "Bill," and even formed her own label, Comstar. Reginald Toussaint, an engineer for one of Knight's albums, described her as a "wonderful woman" with a "gentle spirit."

Knight was not only known for her soulful and joyful performances but also for her role as a mother and grandmother who loved cooking Creole dishes and celebrating Mardi Gras.

Details about her funeral arrangements have not yet been released. Knight's legacy will live on through her music and the memories of those who loved her.

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