The Next Movement The Next Movement is an R&B vocal group formed in 1971 on Chicago’s south side. As young boys they idolized the harmony groups popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s such as the Temptations, Jackson 5, Dramatics, The Dells and the Chi-Lites. The group continued to change and grow under the name of the “Next Movement” because their dance moves were so smooth they were always asked “what’s the next move?”
The young group’s 1st official release was “Girl, Why You Want to Take My Heart” in 1972 on the local Interplanetary label. Followed 2 years later with “Everywhere You Go (I’ll Be Around)” on Crown Town and earned them an appearance on the upstart TV show “Soul Train.”
The group continued to perform locally and was asked to perform in Las Vegas with Redd Fox at the Thunderbird in 1976. In 1980, they recorded “The Next Movement” album for the local GEC label that plays like a last luscious piece of delight, appearing in the waning years of Chicago soul. The mid-tempo groove “Never Stop Dancing” received national radio play. With amazing string and horn arrangements by Tom Washington anchored by a tight rhythm section featuring drummer Quinton Joseph, it was a timeless release.
In 1984, Next Movement was signed by music industry veteran Gus Redmond and the classic stepper’s tune “More Love” was released on the Navarre-distributed Nuance label. The next year, the group had their first national hit in the formative years of the House Music movement of Chicago entitled “All I Do,” which hit the Billboard R&B charts at #49. Both were arranged by the legendary Tom Tom. “All I Do” was a smooth R&B/Dance single which was played on radio across the country in regular rotation.
The Next Movement was chosen to perform at Oprah Winfrey’s 1989 New Years Eve Party where she proclaimed them the best vocal group in Chicago. The group's 1991 release on New York-based Prelude Records, "Let's Work It Out," became a club hit and a dance classic.
In 1992, Next Movement returned to Las Vegas and began performing in showrooms and lounges. The year 2007 finds the group still touring and performing at the finest casinos and showrooms across the country. The current line-up features original members Carnell Haywood and Samuel Thomas, Jr. along with music veterans Donald Albert and Dicki Jonez the group is still making a name for themselves 34 years later.
Samuel Thomas, Jr. A smooth vocalist and a superb entertainer, Samuel Thomas, Jr. is a native of Chicago.
Sam has performed with some of the world’s legendary soul groups including; The Dramatics, Chi-Lites, Four Tops, Temptations, Kool & The Gang, O’Jays, and the Spinners as well as artists; Jeffrey Osborne, Betty Everett, Barbara McNair, Millie Jackson, Freddie Jackson, Jerry Butler, Tyrone Davis, and Groover Washington
Performing over 35 years later alongside Carnell Haywood, Sam is an original member of The Next Movement.
Sam has been an influential part of this vocal group with his electrifying performances and eccentric voice, his smooth moves are sure to entertain the audience every night.
Carnell Haywood Known as the man with the golden voice Carnell is a native Chicagoan straight from the south side where he grew up in a musical family, which is kin to Nat "King" Cole.
Carnell has performed with some of the world’s legendary soul groups including; The Dramatics, Chi-Lites, Four Tops, Temptations, Kool & The Gang, O’Jays, and the Spinners as well as artists; Jeffrey Osborne, Betty Everett, Barbara McNair, Millie Jackson, Freddie Jackson, Jerry Butler, Tyrone Davis, and Groover Washington.
Carnell has a beautiful and versatile voice, he can bring an audience to absolute silence waiting on him to hit the high note or have them dancing all night to his up tempo grooves. He is a multifaceted vocalist with unlimited ability.
Donald Albert As a native of Detroit, Michigan Donald’s first love has always been music. At 18 years of age he performed in his first professional musical, and appearing in over 12 since then.
Donald has appeared in the Broadway hit musical "Don't Get God Started" starring with The Winans and Kim Fields. Additional performances include; "Madame Lily" starring Gladys Knight and David Peaston, "The First Lady" starring Vickie Winans and Clifton Davis, and most recently "The Devil Made Me DoIt" starring Glenn Jones, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Regina Bell. Donald has also performed with the world famous "Dramatics".
His phenomenal vocal range and powerful voice shakes the house night after night, whether it’s a smooth, mellow ballad or an up tempo groove Donald delivers a memorable performance every time.
Dicki Jonez Born in Tallulah, LA Dicki arrived in Las Vegas, NV at the ripe old age of 6 months.
Dicki has been peforming since the age of 3 and turned professional at 16 singing in various nght clubs around Las Vegas. During his career he has opened for The Manhattans, Gene Chandler, Evelyn King, The Delfonics, Rose Roycem The Temprees, GQ, Barbara Mason, and many more.
He's performed all over the United States with his soulful, dramatic, and emotional style. His incredible octave range, with perfect clarity and sweetness, wows the crowds night after night.
