Kool & the Gang’s Michael ‘Chicago Mike’ Sumler dies in horror crash
Tributes are flowing for R&B and soul music legend Michael ‘Chicago Mike’ Sumler after he died in a horrific crash.
Sumler, who was a key member of Kool & the Gang, was behind the wheel of a black Nissan on a Georgia highway when it collided with another vehicle.
Local police say he was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. The 33-year-old driver of the other vehicle was unhurt.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Tributes are flowing for Sumler, 71, who joined the band as a back-up singer and hype man.
The band, known for hit songs Celebration, Ladies and Get Down On It, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
“We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler. Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2000-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also hyped the crowd with his energy and dance moves at the top of the show. Most recently, Mike helped Kool with LeKool champagne events,” the band wrote on its Facebook page.
“Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace.”
The Grammy-winning band’s founding bassist Robert ‘Kool’ Bell said, “We’ve lost another brother, and the stage won’t be the same without Mike”.
Longtime friend of Sumler, Adrian Meeks, told Fox 5 Atlanta that he was a mentor to young musicians in the group.
“He always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he’d been around most of his life.”
“He was the bridge, you know, for inspiring artists and songwriters and producers and musicians to the legends.”
Switch Entertainment’s Greg Williams said “He was the hype guy out of the group, getting the audience going”.
Kool & the Gang drummer George Brown died in 2023 after being diagnosed with cancer.
