Kool and the Gang singer Michael Sumler, known lovingly to fans as “Chicago Mike,” has died at age 71 after a tragic car crash in Georgia.
The longtime backing vocalist, who brought explosive energy to the iconic R&B group for nearly four decades, was behind the wheel of a black Nissan on Saturday night, May 24, 2025, when he collided with another car on Veterans Memorial Highway at Buckner Road, just outside Atlanta. He was pronounced dead shortly after the crash, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 33-year-old man, was reportedly not injured. News of Sumler’s death didn’t break until Wednesday, May 28, and it has since sent a wave of heartbreak across the music community.
Michael joined Kool and the Gang back in 1985 and quickly became a fan favorite, not just for his smooth vocal chops but for his contagious energy on stage. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a mentor, a brother figure, and a positive force behind the scenes. His presence helped shape the live sound of the group and kept their performances as vibrant as their classic hits.
“He always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he’d been around most of all of his life,” said close friend Adrian Meeks in a heartfelt tribute to Fox 5 Atlanta. For those who knew him personally, his death is more than just a loss to music, it’s a personal tragedy.
Robert “Kool” Bell, 73, the band’s founding bassist and now the last surviving original member of the group, also shared his grief. “It’s a bittersweet feeling,” Bell said. “We’ve lost another brother, and the stage won’t be the same without Mike.”
Kool and the Gang, formed in 1969, aren’t just another R&B group, they helped define the genre. They’ve racked up an impressive two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards and released a total of 31 gold and platinum albums. Over the decades, they scored 25 Top Ten R&B hits and nine Top Ten pop smashes, becoming one of the most decorated and influential acts in the history of modern music.
Their breakthrough album, Wild and Peaceful, dropped in 1973 and featured Funky Stuff, which set the tone for their funky, feel-good vibe. Things only got bigger in the late ’70s and ’80s with the addition of lead vocalist James “J.T.” Taylor and Brazilian producer Eumir Deodato. This powerhouse combo helped launch hits like Celebration, a 1980 anthem that became their signature and continues to soundtrack parties, sporting events, and feel-good moments around the globe.
Michael Sumler, while not part of the original lineup, helped carry the torch forward with style. For 40 years, he was a core part of the Kool & the Gang touring family, giving unforgettable performances night after night. His rich voice and powerful stage presence helped the band evolve and stay relevant through countless eras of music.
In 2015, Kool and the Gang were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing their place in entertainment history. Just last year, in 2024, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a long-overdue recognition of their legacy. Michael stood proud as a part of both moments, having given nearly half his life to keeping the band’s legacy alive.
Now, with his sudden passing, the world has lost a voice, a mentor, and a legend of live performance. Michael Sumler wasn’t just “Chicago Mike” on the mic, he was a symbol of what made Kool and the Gang such a lasting force in music: soul, energy, and love for the craft.
- Andrew Tate hit with UK Rape and Trafficking Charges - May 29, 2025
- Kool and the Gang legend Michael Sumler Dies in Crash at 71 - May 29, 2025
- Cassie Ventura Delivers a Baby Right After Dropping Bombshells in Diddy Trial - May 29, 2025
