Michael Sumler, better known as Chicago Mike, the longtime hype man for Kool & the Gang died in a car accident over the weekend. He opened concerts for the legendary group for three decades, connecting with fans and warming up audiences around the world. Sumler was 71 at the time of his death.
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According to Atlanta News First, Sumler was involved in a car crash in Cobb County, Georgia, over the weekend. Police reports state that the incident took place on Sunday (May 25) in Mableton on Veterans Memorial Parkway. His car was struck while entering the intersection “in the path of another vehicle,” according to reports.
Tragically, first responders pronounced Sumler dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the accident.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens released a statement following the tragic accident. “We are saddened by the death of musician Mike Sumler. Chicago Mike contributed so much to the music and entertainment communities. His style and energy added to the flare and excitement of Kool & the Gang for decades,” he shared. “The city of Mableton and I join his friends, family, and fans in mourning his loss,” he added.
Before getting into the fatal accident, Sumler performed at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheater as part of the Evening of Funk with Midnight Star.
A Brief Look at Michael Sumler’s Career
Michael Sumler joined Kool & the Gang in 1985. Initially, he served as the group’s choreographer and stylist. Later, he became their hype man and provided backing vocals during their concerts. Chicago Mike was a master of getting a crowd pumped up before the group took the stage.
Adrian Meeks of Song Source Music Group was among many of Sumler’s colleagues and friends who spoke about him after his death. “He always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he’d been around most of all of his life,” Meeks said. “He was the bridge, you know, for aspiring artists and songwriters and producers and musicians to the legends.” Meeks also said the expert hype man was “always jovial, always just kind, always wanting to make sure everybody else around him was good.”
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