Michael Sumler, known to fans as “Chicago Mike,” died late Saturday night in a car crash on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road in Mableton. He was 71.
Sumler was a longtime member of Kool & The Gang, the legendary funk and R&B group. He was behind the wheel when his car collided with another vehicle just before midnight. Police say he died at the scene.
🎤 What We Know: Sumler spent more than three decades with Kool & The Gang, where he was known for energizing crowds and connecting with fans. He was celebrated for his ability to energize crowds and connect with fans, spending over three decades with the band. He was influential beyond the stage, actively mentoring younger musicians and fostering their success in the music industry.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens issued a statement mourning Sumler’s death, saying, “His style and energy added flare and excitement to Kool and the Gang for decades. The city of Mableton, council members and I join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss.”
🧠 Why It Matters: Sumler’s death marks the loss of a key figure in American music. His contributions to Kool & The Gang helped shape the sound of funk and R&B.
📅 What’s Next: Friends say they are waiting to hear from Sumler’s family, many of whom still live in Chicago, before making memorial arrangements.
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B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
