Kool & the Gangs Michael Sumler dies in car crash…
Michael Sumler, a member of the iconic R&B band Kool & the Gang, tragically died at the age of 71 in a car accident.
The Grammy-winning band confirmed the information of Sumler’s death on Thursday.
“We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler,” the band instructed The Post in a assertion. “Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night.”
Michael Sumler, a member of the iconic R&B band Kool & the Gang, tragically died at the age of 71 in a car accident. FOX 5
After beginning out as a stylist for the band, Sumler soon grew to become concerned in offering background vocals and becoming a member of the group onstage.
“He also hyped the crowd with his energy and dance moves at the top of the show. Most recently, Mike helped Kool with LeKool champagne events,” they went on.
“Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace.”
Sumler, who was lovingly nicknamed “Chicago Mike,” died in a car crash in Cobb County, Ga., over Memorial Day Weekend. The 33-year-old driver of the different vehicle was not injured.
Sumlar died on the scene after the vehicle he was driving had colluded with one other car on May 25, Fox 5 Atlanta reviews.
The Grammy-winning band confirmed information of Sumler’s death, revealing that he had labored with them from 2000 to 2015.. Getty Images
Following his death, Mableton mayor Michael Owens paid a heartfelt tribute.
“This Memorial Day weekend the world lost a music legend,” he stated in a assertion. “Michael Sumler, known as ‘Chicago Mike’ of Kool and the Gang died in a crash Sunday night on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road. He was 71.”
“The City of Mableton, City Council and I join his friends, family and fans in mourning his loss,” Owens added.
Sumler joined the band after an introduction from a member of the group’s security crew.
Some of the band’s largest hits to date embody “Get Down on It,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Funky Stuff,” “Ladies’ Night” and “Celebration.” Getty Images
“I had a local band out of Chicago called Power Pac,” Sumler instructed the Kelly Talk Show in 2018. “One of the Kool and the Gang security guys caught our act in the club in Chicago and we became friends, and he decided… he said, ‘Hey, you’d like to meet my group?’ And I said ‘Sure.’”
After beginning out as a stylist-choreographer for the group, his future in the band appeared vivid.
“Once they saw that I could do some other things, they said we need to have you onstage,” he stated.
Sumler started his function in the band with the opening dance quantity and soon transitioned into offering background vocals.
“So I started off doing moves on the stage, and so that was the opening for the band. And then they said, ‘Well we need you a little more,’” he stated. “So I started coming on doing background singing and just working the whole show… just creating even more moves for the band.”
Some of the band’s largest hits to date embody “Get Down on It,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Funky Stuff,” “Ladies’ Night” and “Celebration.”
During its glittering profession, the band received two Grammy Awards and 7 American Music Awards. United Archives via Getty Images
In 2015, the band was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nine years later, they have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Additionally, they received two Grammys and seven American Music Awards.
Robert “Kool” Bell stays the only surviving member of the band.
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