Musician Colonel Abrams has died, aged 67.

Abrams was considered to be a pioneer of the house and dance music genres in the 1980s, and enjoyed success in the UK with his 1985 single ‘Trapped’.

As BBC News reports, Abrams’ death was confirmed on Facebook earlier today (November 28) by DJ Tony “Tune” Herbert, who said: “Now he is at peace… he is no longer suffering or TRAPPED.” See the post below.


https://www.facebook.com/tony.herbert1/posts/10153917385635723?pnref=story

Abrams was born in Detroit, MI in 1949, before his family moved to New York City. Quickly learning the guitar and piano, Abrams went on to be a member of a number of bands in the 1960 and 70s – most notably Conservative Manor (which he formed with his brother, Morris) and 97 East, who briefly featured Prince on lead guitar. The group recorded ‘Just Another Sucker’ in 1977 with the late Minneapolis musician, before he left to pursue his solo career and the group subsequently disbanded.

Abrams’ career in the 1980s became notable for his involvement in the development of house music. ‘Music Is The Answer’ carried a soulful version of the house style that is known today, earning him a record deal with MCA.

The musician went on to record the aforementioned ‘Trapped’ (which reached number three in the UK) and ‘I’m Not Going to Let You’.

Despite continued success in the 1990s, Abrams then fell on hard times. Last year he was reported to be living homeless, with a fundraising campaign started by friends to help him purchase vital medication for his diabetes.


Abrams died on Thanksgiving (November 24). He was 67.

The Roots drummer Questlove led the tributes from the music world, praising Abrams as “an unsung legend” whose influence on popular music continues today.