Michael Sumler, known as “Chicago Mike,” a longtime member of the legendary R&B and funk group Kool & the Gang, died May 25 in a car crash in Mableton, Georgia. He was 71.
The fatal collision occurred on Veterans Memorial Highway west of Buckner Road at approximately 11:35 p.m., according to the Cobb County Police Department. Sumler was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the other vehicle, 33-year-old Khary Weaver, was not injured in the collision.
Sumler had performed earlier that evening at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton as part of “An Evening of Funk With Midnight Star, Con Funk Shun, and Rose Royce.” Con Funk Shun founder Michael Cooper mourned Sumler on social media, indicating that the band had no idea that Sunday night’s Love’s Train would be his last ride.
Kool & the Gang confirmed Sumler’s death in a statement posted to social media. “We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler,” the group stated. The band noted that Sumler worked alongside them from 2000 to 2015, making sure the group looked their best on stage every night while also hyping crowds with his energy and dance moves.
Born November 1, 1953, in Chicago to John and Dorothy Sumler, Michael grew up in Kenwood, the Stateway Gardens housing projects, and a home near 73rd Street and Racine Avenue. He attended Bond Elementary School and Harper High School. His father worked as a delivery driver for Miller Beer, while his mother was employed by the state as a computer operator.
Sumler’s association with Kool & the Gang began in the 1980s when he was performing with his own band called Power Pac. During a 2018 appearance on the Kelly Talk Show, Sumler explained that one of Kool & the Gang’s security personnel caught his act at a club in Chicago, leading to a friendship and eventual introduction to the band. The security guard invited Sumler to meet the R&B group in Minneapolis.
Initially brought on as a stylist-choreographer in 1985, Sumler’s role expanded when the band recognized his additional talents. He transitioned into serving as the group’s hype man, warming up crowds before performances by walking across the stage with a Sony Walkman and earphones or sometimes carrying a boombox while dancing to Kool & the Gang tunes. His duties eventually included background vocals and playing tambourines during shows.
The flashy dresser became known for his energetic presence and ability to connect with audiences. Friends described him as someone who remained active in the music scene well into his seventies, mentoring younger musicians and helping them navigate the industry. Those close to Sumler characterized him as always wanting to see others succeed in the business he had been involved with most of his life.
Kool & the Gang, formed in 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey, became known for hits including “Celebration,” “Ladies’ Night,” “Get Down on It,” and “Jungle Boogie.” The group has earned three Grammy nominations and one win in 1979 for album of the year for their work on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame described Kool & the Gang as “the most sampled group in hip-hop history,” with countless songs borrowing elements from their music. The band has won two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and achieved 25 Top Ten R&B hits and nine Top Ten Pop hits throughout their career.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens released a statement expressing sadness over Sumler’s death, noting that “Chicago Mike” contributed significantly to the music and entertainment communities. Owens indicated that Sumler’s style and energy added flair and excitement to Kool & the Gang for decades.
Sumler is survived by his daughters Monica Ford and Elisia White, his son Alexander Jenkins, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His mother, Dorothy Sumler, described him as a good person who would do anything for others. A celebration of life was scheduled for June 9 at Emanuel’s Chapel Funeral Home in Chicago, with funeral services planned for June 10 at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church.
The car crash remains under investigation by the Cobb County Police Department. Robert “Kool” Bell remains the only surviving original member of Kool & the Gang, as the group has lost several founding members in recent years, including Ronald Bell in 2020 and George “Funky” Brown in 2023.