Jean Knight

Jean Knight (born Jean Caliste on January 26, 1943 in Crescent City, New Orleans, Louisiana), is an African-American soul/R&B/funk singer, best known for her 1971 Stax Records hit "Mr. Big Stuff."

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Jean Knight (born Jean Caliste on January 26, 1943 in Crescent City, New Orleans, Louisiana), is an African-American soul/R&B/funk singer, best known for her 1971 Stax Records hit "Mr. Big Stuff."

After graduating from high school, she began singing at her cousin's bar called 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 of Jackie Wilson's song "Stop Doggin' Me Around." Her demo attracted record producer Huey Meaux, who signed her to the Jet Star/Tribe labels. Shortly, Knight adopted the professional name of Jean Knight because she felt that "Caliste" 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 sixties, it was obvious that her career was not living up to high expectations, so she went to work as a baker in the cafeteria of Loyola University.