New Orleans vocalist Jean Knight has passed away at the age of 80, on November 22, 2023.

Jean Knight was born in New Orleans as Jean Caliste on January 26, 1943. After graduating from high school, Knight began singing at her cousin’s bar , an in 1965 Knight recorded a demo cover version of Jackie Wilson’s song “Stop Doggin’ Me Around,” as “Doggin Around.” This caught the attention of producer Huey Meaux, who signed Knight to a recording contract at the Jet Star record label. It was at this time that Knight changed her name from Caliste to Knight because she felt that her surname was too hard to pronounce.

Knight recorded four singles for the label, making a name for herself locally, but failed to attract national attention. Since her singing career seemed to be at a standstill, by the late 1960s Knight went to work as a baker in the cafeteria of Dominican College in New Orleans.

In early 1970, songwriter Ralph Williams wanted Knight to record some of his songs. With Williams’ connections, Knight met producer Wardell Quezergue. In May 1970, Knight recorded “Mr. Big Stuff” at Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi. It sold over two million copies.

Knight ended up performing and touring the local oldie circuit. In 1981 Knight met local producer Isaac Bolden, who signed her to his Soulin’ label. In 1985, Knight covered Rockin’ Sidney‘s zydeco hit, “My Toot Toot” which became a local hit, but reached only number 50 on the Billboard Pop Charts.

Jean Knight received OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. OffBeat honored “The Legends of New Orleans R&B” that included New Orleans R&B greats—Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, Robert Parker, the Dixie Cups, and Frankie Ford.

Beyond touring and recording Knight loved cooking for family and friends. In 2013 OffBeat contributor Elsa Hahne interviewed Knight about cooking.

In 2003, Jean Knight was inducted into the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, Tennessee. She gave a nationally televised performance for the Stax for the concert, “Soul Comes Home.” In 2005, she lost her home and its contents during Hurricane Katrina and was able to live Florida until her home was renovated. After returning home, she started touring again, performing in New Orleans, New York City, and at festivals throughout the United States. She was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in October 2007 and was honored with OffBeat’s Lifetime Achievement in Music in 2012.

Knight was married to Thomas Commedore and together they had a son, Emile Commedore. In the early 1970s, Knight was married to New Orleans longshoreman Earl Harris.

Knight is survived by her son Emile, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The family of Jean Knight kindly requests privacy during this difficult time and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the love and support from fans. A public memorial is being planned and will be announced soon.

Please see OffBeat‘s December 2023 issue for a more detailed obituary and account of Ms. Knight’s life.