CLUB NOUVEAU: 40TH ANNIVERSARY & JAY KING'S BDAY PARTY

Rumor has it…the Bay Area’s iconic R&B group Club Nouveau is marking an incredible 40 years in the industry. The group that gave us timeless hits like “Jealousy,” “Lean on Me,” “Situation #9,” and “Why You Treat Me So Bad” is returning to celebrate a legacy that reshaped Hip Hop, Soul, and the sound of the Bay. Four decades later, their influence still echoes—sampled, celebrated, and forever soulful. Club Nouveau continues to embody the harmony of love, life, and pain, reminding us why their music will always be there to  LEAN ON!.

Presented by Mark Elliott & The A-List Musiq Circle -Your Bay Area’s Who Entertainment Network. 

Club Nouveau, the legendary R&B group known for its unique fusion of soul, funk, and electronic influences, has made an impressive return with its latest single, "It's Alright". Released in 2024, the track quickly gained traction and has been widely praised for its smooth blend of classic grooves and contemporary sound. The single showcases the signature harmonies and musical chemistry that Club Nouveau has become famous for, capturing the essence of their vibrant, soulful style while appealing to both old fans and new listeners alike.

The release of "It's Alright" marked a major milestone for the group, as it earned them the prestigious SoulTracks Best Group or Duo Award in 2024. This recognition highlights not only their enduring influence on the music industry but also their continued ability to evolve and create music that resonates with audiences. The track’s success is a testament to their commitment to musical excellence and their ability to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of R&B.

The current lineup of Club Nouveau, featuring Jay King, Antrice Young, and J Ali, brings a fresh yet nostalgic energy to the group. Jay King, a founding member and key figure in the group’s development, continues to shape the band’s sound, blending his deep understanding of R&B with a modern sensibility. Antrice & J Ali's powerful vocals add a distinct flavor to the group’s music, while Jay King's vocals, production, and musical contributions round out the trio, ensuring the group’s continued success.

With "It's Alright" as a standout single, Club Nouveau proves that their influence on the R&B genre remains strong, cementing their place as one of the most innovative and beloved groups in contemporary music.

Club Nouveau won Comeback Group of the Year, "Independent Music Awards" 2025, & Greater Sacramento Urban Music Awards Best Group or Duo 2025.  HQ  

In 1986, in Sacramento, California, following the breakup of the Timex Social Club, Jay King & other original members, Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Samuelle Pratter, and Valerie Watson formed Club Nouveau. From their debut album, Love, Life, and Pain, which showed up in 1986, they scored four consecutive hits: "Jealousy" (essentially a rewrite of and response to Timex Social Club's hit "Rumors"), "Situation #9", a remake of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me", and "Why You Treat Me So Bad". The latter two both made it to #2 on the R&B charts the next year, with "Lean On Me" becoming a huge pop hit.

Foster and McElroy soon left to form their own group and focus on producing other acts, and Pratter eventually left as well. The replacements were David Agent and Kevin Irving. The group's next albums - beginning with Listen To The Message - were laced with an evolving social consciousness, though they weren't as successful commercially as the debut. Notable recordings include a dancehall-influenced version of the gospel classic "Oh Happy Day" from the album A New Beginning.

Albums:
Life, Love and Pain (1986) #2 R&B, #6 Pop
Listen To The Message (1988) #44 R&B, #98 Pop
Under A Nouveau Groove (1989) #39 R&B
A New Beginning (1992) #80 R&B

Singles
"Jealousy" (1986) #8 R&B
"Situation #9" (1986) #4 R&B
"Lean On Me" (1987) #1 Pop, #2 R&B
"Why You Treat Me So Bad" (1987) #39 Pop, #2 R&B
"Heavy On My Mind" (1988) #42 R&B
"No Friend Of Mine" (1989) #12 R&B
"Oh Happy Day" (1992) #45 R&B