Jean Knight RIP and others

Very sad to hear of the death, at the age of 80, of New Orleans born singer Jean Knight. Jean was best known for her huge 1971 hit 'Mr Big Stuff' which sold over two million copies. Produced by Wardell Quezerque, the record was recorded at Malaco in Jackson, Ms, but was released on Stax, becoming their biggest selling single. Sadly Stax apparently snubbed Jean afterwards by not including her on their shows and even using an impersonator despite her being in fine voice. Born Jean Caliste, Jean's career began when she recorded a cover demo of Jackie Wilson's 'Doggin' Around' which resulted in her being signed by Huey Meaux to his JetStar/ Tribe labels. Early singles did not result in a hit but led to her being produced by Wardell Quezerque leading to her Grammy nominated hit. She had a couple more minor hits, including 'Carry On' and 'Do Me' but disagreements with Stax led to her leaving the label and turning to local oldies shows to perform. In 1981 she was signed to the Soulin' label where she recorded 'You Got The Papers But I Got The Man' and in 1985 she recorded a cover of Rockin' Sidney's 'My Toot Toot'. A rival version by Denise Lasalle was a hit in the UK but Jean's version triumphed in the US where it reached the top 50. I saw Jean perform at Jazzfest in the early nineties and she was one of the stars at the Ponderosa Stomp in 2008 (pictured above with Wardell Quezerque) and 2011 (below with Lil Buck Sinegal).

Another recent death is that of Mississippi bluesman R L Boyce, aged 68. Born in Como, Ms, Robert L Boyce was the nephew of fife and drum performer Othar Turner and played with Hill country bluesmen such as R L Burnside and Mississippi Fred McDowell. He appeared at the 2015 Ponderosa Stomp (pictured below).

Other recent music deaths include Fanita James, a member of the Blossoms alongside Darlene Love and Jean King. The group had a number of hits under their own name for Capitol, including 'Move On' and 'No Other Love' but achieved their greatest success with 'He's A Rebel', which was credited by Phil Spector to the Crystals. They provided backing for several sixties hits including 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling' and 'Monster Mash' and were highlighted in the 2013 Oscar winning film '20 Feet From Stardom'.