Michael Sumler Death: Kool & The Gang Bassist Dies at 71
Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler, the electrifying hype man for the legendary funk band Kool & The Gang, has tragically passed away at 71 following a car accident in Georgia. This sudden loss deeply impacts the music community, as Sumler was instrumental in energizing crowds with his dynamic stage presence, working alongside the Kool & The Gang from 2000 to 2015. His contributions whent beyond hyping, as he ensured the band always looked their best. Sumler also collaborated with Con Funk Shun. News Directory 3 mourns the loss of this vibrant personality, and offers insight into his career, from his early days to the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Discover what’s next for fans and the music community as they remember Sumler.
Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler, Kool & The Gang Hype man, Dies at 71
Updated May 30, 2025
Michael Sumler, known as “Chicago Mike,” the longtime hype man for funk legends Kool & the Gang, died Sunday in a car crash in Cobb County, Georgia. He was 71.
Sumler was traveling on Veterans Memorial Highway when his vehicle collided with another, according too Atlanta station 11Alive. The band confirmed the death of Sumler, who brought energy and dance moves to the stage, in a social media statement. Kool & The Gang noted that Sumler worked with them from 2000 to 2015, ensuring the band members looked their best each night.
Just hours before the accident, Sumler performed with Con Funk Shun in Mableton. Frontman Mike Cooper paid tribute to Sumler, saying, “Thank you mike for always supporting Con Funk Shun. We had no idea that Sunday night’s Love’s Train would be your last ride. Rest in heavenly peace.”
last year,Kool & The Gang were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band’s founding members Ronald Bell, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, and George Brown all died in the three years prior to the induction.
“We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler,” wrote Kool & the Gang.“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 show.”
Sumler recalled joining Kool & The gang in 1985 during a 2018 appearance on the Kelly Talk Show. A security guard saw Sumler’s Chicago band, Power Pac, and the two became friends. sumler initially joined as a stylist-choreographer but quickly transitioned to a hype man and background vocalist.
Since forming in 1964, Kool & The Gang have earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. their hits include “Ladies Night,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Get Down on It,” and “Party.”
In his induction speech,Public Enemy’s Chuck D honored the group’s impact: “Let it be known: this is a long-overdue celebration… And when they created the song ‘Celebration,’ it was quoted that the band said, ‘We don’t know nothing. We just celebrate and Praise you God.’ So here we are,celebration,full circle,in the the OH 10,from Youngstown,right here to Cleveland.”
What’s next
Details regarding memorial services for Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler are pending as friends, family, and fans remember his contributions to the music world.