Colonel Abrams (1949 – 2016) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who was a prominent figure in the 1980s music scene, at the intersection of R&B, pop, and house. Born in Detroit, Abrams began his music career in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that he achieved mainstream success with hits like “Trapped” and “I’m Not Gonna Let You.” His unique blend of soulful vocals and up-tempo beats helped to establish him as a pioneer of the “urban” sound, which would later influence the development of house and techno music. Despite struggling with personal and financial issues later in his life, Colonel Abrams' music remains a beloved and enduring part of 1980s pop culture.