Kool & The Gang’s Michael Sumler has reportedly died at 71. He was involved in a car crash over the weekend.
The accident happened in Cobb County, Georgia. Sumler was driving when his car collided with another vehicle per the Daily Mail.
The crash occurred just before midnight on Saturday. It happened on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road.
Sumler was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was also known by the nickname “Chicago Miker.”
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens released a Facebook statement. He praised Sumler’s legacy following his passing.
“We are saddened by the death of musician Michael Sumler. ‘Chicago Mike’ contributed so much to the music and entertainment communities. His style and energy added flare and excitement to Kool and the Gang for decades. The city of Mableton, council members and I join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss.”
Michael Sumler, widely known as “Chicago Mike,” was a vibrant force in the world of funk and R&B. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sumler joined the legendary band Kool & the Gang in 1985, bringing with him an infectious energy that would become a hallmark of the group’s live performances. Sumler spent more than three decades with Kool & The Gang.
As the band’s hype man and backing vocalist, Sumler was celebrated for his ability to electrify audiences, often described as the “life of the party.” His dynamic stage presence and spirited contributions helped sustain Kool & the Gang’s popularity during a transformative era for the band. Beyond the stage, Sumler was deeply committed to mentoring aspiring musicians, offering guidance and support to those navigating the music industry.
Kool & the Gang is an iconic American band known for blending funk, soul, R&B, and disco. Formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 by brothers Robert and Ronald Bell, the group began as a jazz ensemble before evolving into one of the most influential funk bands of the 1970s and ’80s. They rose to fame with hits like “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” and “Ladies’ Night,” and later achieved mainstream success with timeless anthems such as “Celebration,” “Cherish,” and “Get Down on It.”
