Mr. Big Stuff

Jean Knight

About Mr. Big Stuff

"Mr. Big Stuff" is a song by American singer Jean Knight. The song was recorded in 1970 at Malaco Studio in Jackson, Mississippi at the same session as "Groove Me" by King Floyd. Knight's single was released by Stax Records because of the persistence of Stax publisher Tim Whitsett, and "Groove Me" by King Floyd, which Whitsett strongly urged Malaco to release, also became a hit. Both songs are defined by two bar, off-beat bass lines and tight arrangements by Wardell Quezergue. Released on Knight's 1971 debut album of the same title, it became a huge crossover hit. The song spent five weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Soul Singles chart and peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, behind "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" by The Bee Gees. Billboard ranked it as the No. 18 song for 1971. The song went double platinum and the no. 1 Soul Single of the year. Knight performed the song on Soul Train on December 11, 1971 during its first season. "Mr. Big Stuff" became one of Stax Records' more popular and recognizable hits. It was featured in the 2007 mini-series The Bronx Is Burning. It was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1972 Grammy Awards. 


Year:
2008
2:46
105 

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(Oh yeah, ooh)
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
Do you think I can afford to give you my love (oh yeah)
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

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Jean Knight

Jean Knight (born Jean Caliste, January 26, 1943, New Orleans, Louisiana) is an African-American soul/R&B/funk singer, best known for her 1971 Stax Records hit single, "Mr. Big Stuff". more »

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Written by: CARROL WASHINGTON, JOSEPH BROUSSARD, RALPH WILLIAMS

Lyrics © CARALJO MUSIC INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Release Date
"Mr. Big Stuff" was released in 1969 by Jean Knight.
Label
The song was released under the label Stax Records, a major player in the creation of Southern soul and Memphis soul music varieties.
Chart Success
"Mr. Big Stuff" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Billboard Soul chart for five weeks in 1971.
Gold Record
The song earned gold status by the RIAA for sales of more than a million copies.
Grammy Nomination
In 1972, "Mr. Big Stuff" earned Jean Knight a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Writers
The song was co-written by Joseph Broussard, Carrol Washington, and Ralph Williams.
Popularity
"Mr. Big Stuff" is Jean Knight's most popular and instantly recognisable song.
Cover Versions
"Mr. Big Stuff" has been covered and sampled by many other artists. Some well-known covers include those by Queen Latifah and Heavy D.
Use in Films
The song has been used in multiple movies and TV shows, such as "Boyz n the Hood," "Crooklyn," and "Superbad."
Cultural Impact
"Mr. Big Stuff" has been sampled in many hip-hop songs, showcasing its impact and influence.
Commercial Usage
This song was used by Burger King in a TV commercial in 2008 for a new line of sandwiches.
Late Release
Although the song was recorded in 1969, it was not released until 1971 due to initial doubts by the label's heads about its potential success. They were proved wrong as it became a major hit.
Duration
The song's duration is approx 2 minutes 44 seconds, a rather standard length for pop and R&B songs of the era.

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    Mr. Big Stuff

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    33,332     995

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #2


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