Beloved Kool & the Gang star Michael Sumler dies tragically at 71
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The world of funk and R&B is mourning the loss of a true showman and beloved friend.
Michael Sumler—affectionately known as “Chicago Mike”—has passed away at the age of 71 following a tragic accident in Georgia’s Cobb County.
For fans of Kool & The Gang and anyone who’s ever danced to Celebration at a wedding, this news hits hard.
Sumler wasn’t just a member of the band; he was the spark that kept the party going, whose energy and warmth lit up every stage he graced.
A Tragic Night in Georgia
The accident occurred just before midnight on Saturday, May 24, along Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road.
According to reports from Fox 5 Atlanta and Atlanta News First, Sumler’s vehicle collided with another car.
While the other driver escaped unharmed, Michael was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The suddenness of his passing has left friends, family, and fans reeling.
A Life Devoted to Music and Joy
Michael Sumler’s journey with Kool & The Gang began in 1985, but his influence stretched far beyond his years on stage.
As a backing vocalist and the group’s resident “hype man,” he was the heartbeat of every live show.
Greg Williams of Switch Entertainment described him as “the hype guy out of the group, getting the audience going.”
If you ever saw Kool & The Gang live, you probably remember Michael’s infectious smile and boundless energy—he was the one making sure everyone, from the front row to the nosebleeds, was on their feet.
But Michael’s legacy isn’t just about the music. He was a mentor to countless young musicians, a bridge between the legends of funk and the next generation of artists.
Adrian Meeks of Song Source Music Group called his passing 'a devastating blow,' remembering him as “always jovial, always just kind, always wanting to make sure everybody else around him was good.”
Michael’s generosity and encouragement helped shape the careers of many up-and-coming performers, and his absence will be deeply felt in the music community.
Tributes Pour In
The outpouring of love and respect for Michael has been overwhelming.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, whose city recently hosted Michael at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, shared a heartfelt statement: “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.”
Source: Rob Moses / Youtube.
Greg Williams echoed these sentiments, saying, “He was one of these people God put on a planet to teach people how to act because he was kind, he was thoughtful, he was intelligent, he was articulate and he was the life of the party.”
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Kool & The Gang, formed in 1969, are one of the most celebrated R&B groups in history.
With two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums, their music has been the soundtrack to countless celebrations and milestones.
Michael Sumler’s contributions helped keep that legacy alive, both on stage and behind the scenes.
His role as a mentor and motivator extended far beyond the spotlight. He was known for his willingness to help others succeed, for his kindness, and for his ability to bring people together—whether in the studio, on tour, or in everyday life.
Source: FOX 5 Atlanta / Youtube.
As Adrian Meeks put it, “He was the bridge, you know, for inspiring artists and songwriters and producers and musicians to the legends.”
As we reflect on his life and legacy, let’s also remember the lessons he embodied: kindness, generosity, and the power of music to unite us. Michael’s story is a testament to the impact one person can have—not just through talent, but through heart.
Did you ever see Michael Sumler perform live? Do you have a favorite Kool & The Gang memory, or a song that brings back special moments? We’d love to hear your stories and tributes in the comments below!
Rest in peace, Michael Sumler. The party won’t be the same without you, but your legacy will keep us dancing for years to come.
Michael Sumler—affectionately known as “Chicago Mike”—has passed away at the age of 71 following a tragic accident in Georgia’s Cobb County.
For fans of Kool & The Gang and anyone who’s ever danced to Celebration at a wedding, this news hits hard.
Sumler wasn’t just a member of the band; he was the spark that kept the party going, whose energy and warmth lit up every stage he graced.
A Tragic Night in Georgia
The accident occurred just before midnight on Saturday, May 24, along Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road.
According to reports from Fox 5 Atlanta and Atlanta News First, Sumler’s vehicle collided with another car.
Kool & The Gang member Michael Sumler, also known as “Chicago Mike”, has died at the age of 71 following a car accident in Georgia. Image source: FOX 32 Chicago / Youtube.
While the other driver escaped unharmed, Michael was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The suddenness of his passing has left friends, family, and fans reeling.
A Life Devoted to Music and Joy
Michael Sumler’s journey with Kool & The Gang began in 1985, but his influence stretched far beyond his years on stage.
As a backing vocalist and the group’s resident “hype man,” he was the heartbeat of every live show.
Greg Williams of Switch Entertainment described him as “the hype guy out of the group, getting the audience going.”
If you ever saw Kool & The Gang live, you probably remember Michael’s infectious smile and boundless energy—he was the one making sure everyone, from the front row to the nosebleeds, was on their feet.
But Michael’s legacy isn’t just about the music. He was a mentor to countless young musicians, a bridge between the legends of funk and the next generation of artists.
Adrian Meeks of Song Source Music Group called his passing 'a devastating blow,' remembering him as “always jovial, always just kind, always wanting to make sure everybody else around him was good.”
Michael’s generosity and encouragement helped shape the careers of many up-and-coming performers, and his absence will be deeply felt in the music community.
Tributes from fellow musicians and community members have described Sumler as the “life of the party” and someone who inspired and mentored young artists throughout his career. Image source: FOX 32 Chicago / Youtube.
Tributes Pour In
The outpouring of love and respect for Michael has been overwhelming.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, whose city recently hosted Michael at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, shared a heartfelt statement: “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.”
Source: Rob Moses / Youtube.
Greg Williams echoed these sentiments, saying, “He was one of these people God put on a planet to teach people how to act because he was kind, he was thoughtful, he was intelligent, he was articulate and he was the life of the party.”
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Kool & The Gang, formed in 1969, are one of the most celebrated R&B groups in history.
With two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums, their music has been the soundtrack to countless celebrations and milestones.
Michael Sumler’s contributions helped keep that legacy alive, both on stage and behind the scenes.
His role as a mentor and motivator extended far beyond the spotlight. He was known for his willingness to help others succeed, for his kindness, and for his ability to bring people together—whether in the studio, on tour, or in everyday life.
Source: FOX 5 Atlanta / Youtube.
As Adrian Meeks put it, “He was the bridge, you know, for inspiring artists and songwriters and producers and musicians to the legends.”
As we reflect on his life and legacy, let’s also remember the lessons he embodied: kindness, generosity, and the power of music to unite us. Michael’s story is a testament to the impact one person can have—not just through talent, but through heart.
Did you ever see Michael Sumler perform live? Do you have a favorite Kool & The Gang memory, or a song that brings back special moments? We’d love to hear your stories and tributes in the comments below!
Rest in peace, Michael Sumler. The party won’t be the same without you, but your legacy will keep us dancing for years to come.
