Jean Knight family: All about her husband, children, Parents and Siblings

Jean Knight was an American R&B and soul singer from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Knight was perhaps best known for her 1971 hit single, “Mr. Big Stuff” released by Stax Records.

Jean Knight died at the age of 80 from natural causes, according to her publicist.

The 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

‘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.

Knight’s family pointed to her vaunted career in their statement, noting her stints at JetStream Records, Stax Records and eventually her own record label named Comstar.

The family said it ‘kindly requests privacy during this difficult time and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the love and support from fans.’

Mr. Big Stuff, 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.

Knight was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame in October of 2007 at an event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

According to a bio from the LMHOF, the performer, whose real name is Jean Caliste, initially made her breakthrough in music when her first husband persuaded her to record a demo tape at J&M Studio in 1965.

Jean Knight

About Jean Knight husband

Jean Knight was married at least twice and had at least one child. Her first husband was Thomas Commedore, with whom she had a son named Emile Commedore.

Her second husband was Earl Harris, a New Orleans longshoreman, but they later divorced.

There is no information about any other spouses or partners of Jean Knight. She was survived by her son, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Jean Knight Children

Jean Knight had only one child, a son named Emile Commedore, who was born from her first marriage with Thomas Commedore.

She also had two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There is no information about any other children of Jean Knight

She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved her family very much.

Jean Knight Parents

Jean Knight ( was born on January 26, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA to her parents were Louis Joseph Caliste (died 1953) and Florence Edwards.

Jean Knight Siblings

Jean Knight has two siblings: a brother named Louis Caliste Jr. and a sister named Florence Caliste.

There is no much information about them, except that they were born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and that their parents were Louis Joseph Caliste and Florence Edwards.

Jean Knight was the youngest of the three children. She began singing at her cousin’s bar, Laura’s Place, and later became a successful R&B and soul singer.