Jean Knight ~ Mr Big Stuff 1971 Soul Purrfection Version

Jean Knight gave Stax Records one of their biggest hits in 1971 when "Mr Big Stuff" hit #1 on July 3, 1971 and stayed there for five weeks! There was something in the air that Sunday it was recorded in 1970.

King Floyd's "Groove Me" was recorded that same day and it became a certified million seller also hitting #1 R&B spending a month at the top. Both songs were produced by Wardell Quezergue and each artist had recorded two songs that day. When they took the tapes to the executive, he said "I don't hear any hits" so the songs sat on the shelf.

The label had selected King Floyd's next single to be "Baby Let Me Kiss You" and it floundered until a radio dj flipped to the song on side B "Groove Me" and it spread like wildfire, everyone forgot about the promoted song. Tim Whitsett who worked for Stax in the publishing company remembered the Jean Knight song and insisted they take that one too!

They waited nearly a year but it's appeal is undeniable, the sass and verve of Miss Jean as she tells some bum off about himself in such a funky soulful way.

In a strange twist of fate, Wardell faced off against Jean Knight after she recorded a sassy version of "My Toot Toot" and Wardell had produced the same song for R&B sass queen Denise LaSalle. Jean's recording peaked at #50 on The Hot100, whereas LaSalle's version missed that chart completely.

On the R&B survey, LaSalle peaked at #79 in the US, and #6 in the UK. Knight's version peaked at #59 R&B in the US and not at all in the UK.

[MarcosDangelo]

Jean Knight. Born January 26, 1943. Died November 22, 2023. She was an American R&B and soul singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Beginning her professional career in the mid-1960s, Knight was perhaps best known for her 1971 hit single, "Mr. Big Stuff", released on Stax Records

[hollywoodusa]

Rest in Peace Jean Kinght. Your great music will live on for an eternity.

[vynaia]

There's just something about early 70's songs. The beat is great for dancing; and I remember I was just coming into dancing with boys lol. At that age where you still feel like a little kid but approaching those wonderful, turbulent teenage years. This song, among others, reminds me of that "coming of age" time. Great song, great time. Love the memory.😊🧡🏵

[motoplay]

Real Soul Sister, my you rest in paradise in peace

[blackprix]

A very catchy tune back in the day and it still is, I’m singing along and enjoy your remix Mr. big stuff!

[DonnaBrown-knlh]

Back in those days it was jamming jamming jamming he was Sister Sister you rest in peace your music will never leave us you are there

[anthonygarcia]

⭐ Oh man I remember this song. This brings back some great memories ⭐

[pamelahurt]

We had the best music in the 70's.
Lots of bands and heartfelt love songs 🎵 they don't make music like this anymore..no singing about male and female part's

[notmebutyou]

Love this one!!! Thanks for a great song to kick-start the weekend!!! 🙂🙂🙂

[aboudiop]

1970's songs ever best era indeed

[inmusic-cfku]

I just can't get enough of this song pure perfection I just love it.

[truelies]

The Summer of 1971 in Los Angeles California. If you lived it, were there at the time like I was it was like a dream, a dream fantasy. Life was slow, dirt cheap, affordable, no homeless, just a Wino as we called them here and there. 10¢ Coke's, Pepsi's, Snicker's bars, Hostess pies etc, 10¢ ice creams, popcorn, chips, etc... 1¢ Bazooka gum. 25¢ to see Trog, Soylent Green, Willard, Planet of the Apes etc... Oh, and last but not least, 30¢ a gallon gas 109 octane! Nixon was angelic compared to today's gubmint. An era in its own style, 50 years ago or so never again to return.

[christophersantana]

THIS SONG IS STILL A PURE SOUL CLASSIC AFTER 51 YEARS.

[Cherie_Amour]

I remember hearing this song as a Kid. My Mama loved this Song she played all the time all of us kids use to dance with her. I still love this song as I remember my Mama ❤❤❤ I’m still Dancing 51 years later R.I.H. Mama I Love you Forever #MrBigstuff💃🏾

[thomastarwater]

Very well done. Jean Knight certainly would approve. A good way to start off my weekend. Thank you DiscoCat.

[lena-mariaglouis-charles]

A CLASSIC knows no age!
THANK You, DJDiscoCat!💕

[toyahill]

Rest in Peace man this was a huge song Thanks to making music all love!

[martin]

A big thumbs up comes from my side to you DJDiscoCat for bringing up this lovely gem.
A Think Stop does so much good to all of us especially in those worried times we are facing right now. Let's focus our minds towards this kinda lovely music. It's the best thing we can do. Again and again you are doing such a great job in selecting tunes and reworking em to the best. Fantastic job Disco Cat. I love your work and I love this tune. Please keep up your much appreciated work.

[DonnaBrown-knlh]

Your music will always be there forever rest in peace

[sonjahabfast]

Music of my Childhood if i was a " Puppy " 😂🤣🎶👍🎶Thank you so much 🙏 Grandma listening all the time 🤗🍀 and we shake us our bodys 💃