MABLETON, GA. — Michael Sumler, a longtime member of the iconic R&B group Kool & the Gang, died in a car crash over Memorial Day weekend. He was 71.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Sumler was driving his own vehicle when he collided with another car on Sunday evening, May 25, in Mableton, Georgia. He died at the scene.
Sumler, known to many as “Chicago Mike,” first joined Kool & the Gang in 1985. Although the band was originally formed in 1964 in New Jersey, Sumler played a key role in their performances for many years, both on stage and behind the scenes.
From 2004 to 2015, Sumler worked as the group’s wardrobe valet, ensuring members looked their best during live shows. Kool & the Gang paid tribute to him in a statement shared with PEOPLE, saying, “Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004–2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also enthused the crowd with his energy and dance moves.”
The statement also noted his recent involvement with the band’s LeKool champagne events and added, “Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace.”
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens acknowledged Sumler’s death in a statement on May 28. “This Memorial Day weekend the world lost a music legend. Michael Sumler, known as ‘Chicago Mike’ of Kool and the Gang, died in a crash Sunday night on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road. He was 71. The City of Mableton, City Council and I join his friends, family and fans in mourning his loss.”
Sumler discussed how he joined the band during a 2018 appearance on the Georgia-based Kelly Talk Show. He recalled being discovered by one of Kool & the Gang’s security members while performing with his Chicago-based group, Power Pac. He was introduced to the band in Minneapolis and initially worked as a stylist and choreographer before becoming a performer.
“Once they saw that I could do some other things, they said we need to have you onstage,” he said. He later became an opener and hype man for the group and contributed backup vocals during performances.
Sumler expressed pride in performing for large crowds and seeing the band celebrated by fans around the world.
Kool & the Gang, best known for hits like “Celebration,” “Get Down on It,” “Ladies’ Night,” and “Jungle Boogie,” has enjoyed decades of success. The group has won two Grammy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2023 with a world tour and released a new album, People Just Wanna Have Fun, in July of that year.
In 2024, Kool & the Gang was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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