About 10 or 15 years ago, I took a solo trip to New Orleans. My wife was overseas on business and I wanted to see Irma Thomas at the House Of Blues. Business was good back then, so a weekend excursion to the Crescent City didn't seem like too much of an extravagance. Plus I had friends down there, so I wouldn't be alone for too much of the time.
The day I landed, my friend Alan picked me up and told me that there was a benefit at The Cabildo in Jackson Square, for what exactly I can't recall, but his wife Joan was involved. There'd be drinks of course, some food and Jean Knight would be performing. It was an early start and he thought it would be a nice, quick and easy beginning to the weekend.
For reasons I can no longer remember, we got there too late to see Jean Knight perform, an oddity for New Orleans, where artists usually go on much later than advertised. Still, we mingled and had a cocktail or two. When Joan saw that I was a little bummed about missing Jean Knight, she quickly disappeared for a few moments, and returned with Miss Knight herself.
We had a wonderful conversation, discussed New Orleans for a bit, and of course, "Mr Big Stuff." Jean Knight said she was sorry I missed the performance but, "how about I sing it to you now?"
And there I stood, in the middle of The Cabildo lobby, while Jean Knight danced around me and sang "Mr. Big Stuff," pointing at me every time she sang "Who do you think you are?"
It lasted about a minute and guess what, it was videotaped by Joan.
The weekend, and Irma were fantastic and it was another "Only In New Orleans" for the books.
Joan has since passed away and the last two times I saw Alan, we reminisced about that night, among other things. He promised that one day, he'd make an attempt to find that video on Joan's computer when he felt up to it.
I still have a copy of it here (points to head) and here (points to heart.)
R.I.P., Jean Knight
14 comments:
Sh only had that one hit, but she never failed to deliver the goods in the many times I saw her perform. RIP, Ms. Knight.
A nice story to start the day. May Jean RIP
Aw man, coolest thing I've read today. Fantastic !!
Great memory, you're a lucky guy.
Randy
Great story! I saw Ms. Knight at Jazzfest several times, and always enjoyed it very much.
Lovely!
What a treat to have Jean Knight point at you and "who do you think you are"!
RIP Ms. Knight
Great story. That tape must be found and shared!
That is like the coolest story ever. Wow.
I'm with Simels and Noel on this. I don't know why, but I freakin' love that story.
C in California
No celeb ever sang for me! Jealous! What a fun story.
that is way cool
HOLY KNIGHT! That is one helluva story and a fabulous moment for you to cherish! Thanks for sharing!
You missed the show, but got an amazing performance anyway! That's a wonderful memory of a great lady.
Post a Comment