- Band Members: Samuelle Pratter, Thomas McElroy, David Agent, Kevin Irving, Valerie Watson, Denzil Foster, Jay King
- Genre: R & B
- Followed By: Gwen Stefani
- Similar Artists: Paula Abdul, Guy, Jellybean, LeVert, Alannah Myles, Nu Shooz, Soul II Soul, Jody Watley, Caron Wheeler, Déjà, Dreamboy, Michel'le, West Street Mob
Club Nouveau formed in Sacramento in 1986, including Jay King, Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Samuelle Pratter, and Valerie Watson. King was the creative force behind the hit "Rumours" by the Timex Social Club in 1986, and formed King Jay Records for Club Nouveau. They made some good disco-flavored and funk tunes, and had four consecutive hits in 1986 and 1987: "Jealousy," "Situation #9," a cover of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me," and "Why You Treat Me So Bad." The last two both reached the number-two spot on the R&B charts. But, in 1988, at the height of their popularity, McElroy, Pratter, and Foster left the group, and were replaced by David Agent and Kevin Irving. Their final recordings for Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. didn't sustain the momentum, and they subsequently disbanded. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
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