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Music

House and R&B Singer Colonel Abrams Has Died at Age 67

Best known for his singles "Trapped" and "Music is the Answer," Abrams reportedly suffered from diabetes and was homeless.

Colonel Abrams, an 80s house and r&b singer, has reportedly died at the age of 67. The Detroit-born, New York-based singer and musician best known for his singles "Trapped" and "Music is the Answer," reportedly passed Thursday on Thanksgiving, according to friends of the singer.

Abrams had a long and multi-faceted career. In the 1970s, he played in the bands Conservative Manor and Heavy Impact. In 1976, Abrams sang lead vocals in 94 East, a group that included Prince on guitar.

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His self-titled debut album, released in 1985, was influenced by the rising garage house sound and was moderately successful. "Trapped," which was also released in 1985, reached the top five in the UK Singles Chart. In 1995, Boards of Canada released a remix of "Trapped" under the pseudonym Hell Interface.

Other popular singles by Abrams included "Music is the Answer" and "Speculation." Although Abrams did not receive breakout success in the United States, he is widely regarded as an early pioneer in the emerging garage house sound that would go on to influence both dance music and r&b in the 80s.

Abrams released new music as recently as 2008, according to reports.

Abrams had been ill from diabetes and homeless for an extended period of time. Late last year, Chicago house musician Marshall Jefferson launched a crowdfunding campaign to ask for donations for Abrams.

Since news of Abrams' death has begun to spread, many musicians have shared their condolences online, including Carl Craig, Just Blaze and Marshall Jefferson.

RIP Colonel Abrams. Ok we get it 2016! Stop!

— Just Blaze (@JustBlaze)November 27, 2016

Just learned Colonel Abrams passed away, never to be forgotten, R.I.P.

— Marshall Jefferson (@MarshallJeffers)November 27, 2016

we lost another one. Colonel Abrams won't get the headlines but he was an architect of — Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine)November 27, 2016

i hate waking to bad news. — carl craig (@carlcraignet)November 27, 2016

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RIP Colonel Abrams. I play this out almost every set— Octo Octa (@octo_octa)November 27, 2016

2016 is so foul. daaang. RIP Colonel Abrams — Mike Servito (@mikeservito)November 27, 2016

Music Is The Answer. Truth be told. RIP Colonel Abrams. — Simon Dunmore (@SimonDunmore)November 27, 2016

Can't you see I'm so trap and I don't know what to do… Can't you see I'm so trap so in love with you!! RIP Colonel Abrams #*uck2016

— Terry Hunter (@djterryhunter)November 27, 2016

Rest in peace colonel, great music. … — Tito Puente Jr. (@titopuentejr)November 27, 2016

RIP Colonel Abrams. Anyone of my generation had some of the best times of our lives dancing to 'Trapped'. — Simon Price (@simon_price01)November 27, 2016