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 veteran Donald Albert the group is still making a name for themselves 34 years later.
