Michael Sumler, Kool & the Gang Singer Dead, Fans Mourn

Michael Sumler has died, and the famous singer from Kool &The Gang is being mourned by fans as the news dribbles out on social media. Read on to find out what happened to the 71-year-old entertainer. 

How Did Michael Die?

The Sun US reported on the death of Michael, also known as “Chicago Mike.” The death of the “backing vocalist” happened on Saturday, and his passing was the result of a “car accident” near Atlanta, Georgia. Nobody else was hurt, but sadly, Michael Sumler died at the scene.

Driving his Nissan 370Z, the popular singer who knew how to get a party going,  entered the wrong lane and collided with a Kia Sorento. Conspiracy theories abound on social media already, but there’s no indication of foul play.

Fans Mourn On X

When the news broke, Daily Loud shared the story on Elon Musk’s X. Many people remembered Michael with affection, and the word “Legend” appeared often. One follower wrote, “Why it feel like everyone dyin lately rip tho.”

2025 seems to be very hard on the entertainment industry, with the likes of Jiggly Caliente, Marianne Faithfull, Gene Hackman, and many more faces gone. 

Here are a few other comments in tribute to Michael Sumler:

• this one hits different. RIP to the legend.
• he was a legend. rest in peace, king.
• Nah this gunna be a hard one to shake off.
• Oh no… prayers to his family.
• oh man that’s so sad!!
• At that age, can’t even go peacefully..RIP.

Who Was Michael?

Michael performed with Kool & the Gang for over three decades. They became famous for songs like “Celebration” and “Ladie’s Night.” Initially, they were an instrumental jazz band, but they roared into popularity with numbers that always got a party stomping and laughing.

After joining the band in the early 80s, Michael and the band became more popular as they explored R&B and pop music styles. Before that, Michael had started a band that worked out of Chicago called “Power Pack.” While performing, he met someone who took him to meet Kool & the Gang in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Initially, he started out with the band as a “stylist choreographer,” but soon expanded into other activities. Later, he explained to The Kelly Show, “I started coming on doing background singing and just working the whole show. I’m just creating as we went along, creating even more moves for the band.”

Are you sad to hear that Michael, also known as Chicago Mike from the popular 80s band, has passed away? Send your condolences and tributes out in the comments below, and come back here often for all your celebrity news and updates.