After graduating from high school, Caliste began singing at her cousin's bar '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 version of Jackie Wilson's song "Stop Doggin' Me Around." Her demo attracted record producer Huey Meaux, who signed her to a recording contract at the Jet Star/Tribe record labels. Shortly thereafter, Caliste adopted the professional name of "Jean Knight," because she felt that her surname 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 1960s, it was obvious that her career was not living up to her high expectations, so she went to work as a baker in the cafeteria of Loyola University in New Orleans.
In early 1970, she was discovered by songwriter Ralph Williams, who wanted her to record some songs. With Williams' connections, she came in contact with record producer Wardell Quezergue. In May of that year, she went to Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi, for a recording session during which she recorded "Mr. Big Stuff." After the session was finished, the song was shopped to producers at several national labels, all of whom rejected it. But when King Floyd's hit "Groove Me" (also recorded at Malaco Studios) became a #1 R&B hit in early 1971, a producer at Stax Records remembered Knight's recording of "Mr. Big Stuff," and released it. The song also proved to be an instant smash in 1971, reaching #2 on the pop chart and becoming a #1 R&B hit. It went double-platinum and received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female; it lost to Aretha Franklin's version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It sold over two million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. The next year, Knight was named the 'Most Promising Female Vocalist'. An album of the same name proved to be fairly successful. A couple more minor hits followed, but disagreements with her producer and her label terminated Knight's involvement with Stax.
After leaving Stax, Knight recorded songs for various small labels, but was not able to gain any more recognition. She ended up performing and touring the local oldie circuit. Things changed in 1981, when she met local producer Isaac Bolden, who signed her to his Soulin' label. Together, they came up with a song entitled "You Got the Papers but I Got the Man," an answer song to Betty Wright's hit, "I've Got the Papers on the Man"; that song was leased to Atlantic Records for national release. Soon, Knight found herself touring consistently. In 1985, she gained more recognition when she covered Rockin' Sidney's zydeco novelty hit, "My Toot Toot." Her version proved to be most successful, reaching #50 on the pop chart. Knight was then given a chance to perform it on the TV variety show Solid Gold. The song also became her only hit in South Africa, reaching number 3.
Although she waited twelve years to come out with another recording, she continued touring and performing engagements all over the world, particularly in the Southern states. In 2003, she performed her biggest hit, "Mr. Big Stuff", on the PBS special Soul Comes Home. Knight has talent running in the family; her great nephews are Gerard Caliste (a visual artist) and Swedish hip hop artist Mattias Lindstrรถm Caliste who is part of the Scandinavian rap group Fjรคrde Vรคrlden. Knight continues to tour and make live performances, often with such artists as Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor.
In October 2007, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame honored Knight for her contributions to Louisiana music by inducting her.
Jean Knight's song "Do Me" appears on the 2007 Superbad soundtrack.
Mister Big Stuff
Jean Knight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mr. Big Stuff
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna get my love
Now because you wear all those fancy clothes (oh yeah)
And have a big fine car, oh yes you do now
You think you're higher than every star above
Mr. Big Stuff
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna get my love
Now I know all the girls I've seen you with
I know you broke their hearts one after another now, bit by bit
You made 'em cry, many poor girls cry
When they try to keep you happy, they just try to keep you satisfied
Mr. Big Stuff, tell me, tell me
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna get my love
I'd rather give my love to a poor guy that has a love that's true (oh yeah)
Than to be fooled around and get hurt by you
'Cause when I give my love, I want love in return (oh yeah)
Now I know this is a lesson Mr. Big Stuff you haven't learned
Mr. Big Stuff, tell me
Who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna get my love
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna break my heart
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna make me cry
Mr. Big Stuff, tell me
Just who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna get my love
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna break my heart
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna make me cry
Mr. Big Stuff, tell me, tell me
Just who do you think you are
Mr. Big Stuff
You're never gonna get my love
In Jean Knight's hit song "Mr. Big Stuff," the singer is rejecting the advances of an arrogant and conceited man who believes he can win her over with his wealth and material possessions. The lyrics express the sentiment that true love is not something that can be bought or earned through superficial means. The title "Mr. Big Stuff" is a nickname given to the man in question, and the repetition of the phrase "Who do you think you are?" emphasizes the singer's exasperation with his attitude.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, as Knight calls out the man's pretentiousness and makes it clear that his grandiose displays do not impress her. The second verse reveals that the man has a history of mistreating women, causing them to "cry" and breaking their hearts. Despite his ill treatment of others and inflated sense of self-importance, Knight asserts that he will never be able to win her love.
The chorus is a catchy and memorable repetition of the song's title, which serves to reinforce the singer's resolve in rejecting this man's attempts to woo her. The bridge introduces the idea that true love requires mutual respect and reciprocity. Knight states that she would rather give her love to a "poor guy" who truly loves her than be with someone like Mr. Big Stuff who does not understand this fundamental principle.
Line by Line Meaning
Mr. Big Stuff
The subject, an arrogant man who thinks he is better than others.
Who do you think you are
The singer is questioning the man's self-importance and ego.
You're never gonna get my love
The singer is making it clear that she will not fall for his charm.
Now because you wear all those fancy clothes (oh yeah)
The subject's clothing and style portrays him as someone who thinks he is above others.
And have a big fine car, oh yes you do now
The subject's possessions reflect his perceived superiority over others.
Do you think I can afford to give you my love (oh yeah)
The singer is questioning if she is worthy of the subject's love, as he thinks he is above her.
You think you're higher than every star above
The subject thinks he is better than anyone else, and compares himself to a star in the sky.
Now I know all the girls I've seen you with
The singer is aware of the subject's pattern of using and breaking the hearts of other women.
I know you broke their hearts one after another now, bit by bit
The singer is aware of the subject's repeated pattern of leading women on and breaking their hearts slowly over time.
You made 'em cry, many poor girls cry
The singer knows firsthand the emotional pain the subject causes to women.
When they try to keep you happy, they just try to keep you satisfied
The singer believes that the women who try to appease the subject do so only to keep him from leaving, not because they genuinely care for him.
I'd rather give my love to a poor guy that has a love that's true (oh yeah)
The singer would rather be with someone who is not wealthy and materialistic, but who truly loves her.
Than to be fooled around and get hurt by you
The singer would rather avoid the heartache that comes with being in a relationship with the subject.
'Cause when I give my love, I want love in return (oh yeah)
The singer expects mutual love and respect in a relationship, which she does not believe the subject is capable of providing.
Now I know this is a lesson Mr. Big Stuff you haven't learned
The singer is calling out the subject's failure to learn the lesson that true happiness in relationships comes from mutual love and respect, not power and possessions.
Mr. Big Stuff, tell me
The singer is demanding the subject explain himself and his behavior.
You're never gonna break my heart
The singer is confident that the subject will not be able to emotionally hurt her.
You're never gonna make me cry
The singer is sure that the subject will not be able to cause her emotional pain.
Lyrics ยฉ CARALJO MUSIC INC.
Written by: CARROL WASHINGTON, JOSEPH BROUSSARD, RALPH WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jackspry9736
RIP Jean Knight (January 26, 1943 โ November 22, 2023), aged 80
You will be remembered as a legend.
@KaylasMusicalDigest545
R.I.P. Jean Knight! I loved listening to this wonderful song when I was about 9 or 10 years old. It was one of my most played songs on my Google Play Music app. I really miss that app! It exposed me to so many beautiful classic songs like this one. Thank you for this soulful tune Ms. Knight!
@ayaeneli1721
Me too
@michelles7520
Thanks for your forever hit song Ms. Jean. Rest in peace ๐๐ฝ.
@DramaneDeme
I was 12 in the summer of 1971, now Iโm 63. Lord, what a wonderful tune that brings back so many great memories... โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
@S.I.A.R908
God bless you man, I cannot imagine the classic vibe from back then, I am 16 currently and may you lead a great life and fulfil your greatest desires.
@1mespud
Thank you, JEAN KNIGHT for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent. "MR. BIG STUFF" will always continue to be part background soundtrack to our lives. May GOD bless your legacy and surviving family.
@vickieluke2882
RIP MS. JEAN KNIGHT MR BIG STUFF WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE.
@denniscarey8426
RIP Jean Knight... we've all sung Mr. Big Stuff a time or two!
@vrtex911
Recorded at Malaco Studios in Jackson, MS. My dad was a studio musician at Malaco in the late 60s, 70s and 80s. This song, recorded in 1971 is one of the most popular songs my dad appeared on playing trumpet. Another being King Floyd's Groove Me.