Mr. Big Stuff singer Jean Knight has died at the age of 80 from natural causes: ‘We bid farewell to this iconic soulstress’

Mr. Big Stuff singer Jean Knight has died at the age of 80 from natural causes, according to her publicist.

The 80-year-old R&B and soul singer’s death was initially reported by veteran New Orleans broadcaster LBJ, who posted a press release from her family dated this past Wednesday that was subsequently confirmed by TMZ. 

‘Jean Knight’s legacy is not just a musical one; it is a testament to the enduring love between an artist, her hometown, and the fans who adored her,’ her family said in a statement. ‘As we bid farewell to this iconic soulstress, New Orleans and her global fan base join together in gratitude for the indelible mark she left on the world.’ 

Other singles Knight released in her career included Carry On, Do Me, My Toot Toot, Helping Man, Jesse Joe (You Got to Go) and You Think You’re Hot Stuff.

Knight, who is best known for her 1971 song Mr. Big Stuff, which hit the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release, and another five weeks in the top spot on Billboard Soul Singles chart.

The 80-year-old R&B and soul singer’s death was initially reported by veteran New Orleans broadcaster LBJ this past Wednesday 

The catchy song from the New Orleans vocalist has been a staple in other media such as TV, film and other musical tracks via sampling.

Among the productions to use the song include black-ish, Everwood, Family Guy, The Deuce, Semi-Pro and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Musical artists who have sampled or remixed the track include Queen Latifah, John Legend, the Beastie Boys, TLC, Eazy-E, Heavy D & The Boyz, Everclear and Girl Talk, among others.

The track was also covered by artists such as Precious Metal and Lyn Collins.

The musical artist was pictured onstage in her native New Orleans in 1986 

The vocalist was pictured during a performance in 1970

The entertainer was pictured in New Orleans in April of 2012