Arthur "Speq" Colden

Arthur “Speq” Colden has over twenty years of diversified experience as a music/entertainment professional. A gifted keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter, Speq also has extensive experience as a sideman, bandleader, arranger, and producer. Currently Speq Colden is the keyboardist and lead vocalist with the popular Detroit-area show group, The Sun Messengers, with whom he has been performing for over a decade in numerous public and private venues throughout the Midwest, as well as being seen regularly at the Palace of Auburn Hills’ televised home games for the 2004 NBA World Basketball Champions, the Detroit Pistons, and many locally and internationally-produced specials.

While a member of the Sun Messengers, Speq has contributed to the group’s current popular CD, Late Night Cruise, which received rave reviews and two 1999 Detroit Music Awards, presented to the Sun Messengers for “Outstanding R&B/Urban/Funk Recording” and “Outstanding Group or Performer Deserving Wider Recognition”. The CD’s title cut, as well as several other tunes, was penned and performed by Speq Colden.

Arthur "Speq" Colden

A Florida native, Speq has always been known for his funky, high-energy style of performing. He is also an experienced arranger and producer, and has led many successful bands before moving to the Detroit area in 1981. Speq also performed on internationally released albums by the legendary gospel groups, Clarence Fountain and The Blind Boys of Alabama (“A Soldier in the Army of the Lord”- Philadelphia International Records, re-issued in 2004), and the Chicago Soul Stirrers (“So Much to Be Thankful For”- Savoy Records). In his successful career, Speq has had the pleasure of sharing the stage, and/or recording with, many outstanding and legendary talents in the entertainment world including: O. V. Wright, Rufus Thomas, Z. Z. Hill, Ted Taylor, Eddie Floyd, Jimmie “Bo” Horne, comedians Clarence “Blowfly” Reid and Wildman Steve, Sam Butler (from the critically-acclaimed play, Gospel at Colonus), Gene Dunlap, Lucky Peterson, Chick Willis and many others.

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