Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Kool & the Gang's Michael Sumler dies in Georgia car crash at 71
Kool & the Gang's Michael Sumler dies in Georgia car crash at 71
By Denise Dillon Published May 27, 2025 10:33pm EDT FOX 5 Atlanta
{video}
Kool & The Gang member dies in Georgia car crash
A man who was part of the legendary group Kool and The Gang died in a car crash in Cobb County. Seventy-one-year-old Michael Sumler was killed in the wreck.
The Brief
• Michael Sumler, known as "Chicago Mike," died in a car crash in Cobb County; he was a longtime member of Kool & the Gang.
• Sumler 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.
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Michael Sumler, a longtime member of the legendary funk and R&B group Kool & the Gang, died in a car crash over the weekend in Georgia's Cobb County. He was 71.
What we know:
Known to many in the music industry as "Chicago Mike," Sumler was behind the wheel when his car collided with another vehicle just before midnight Saturday on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road.
He died at the scene.
{snip}
By Denise Dillon Published May 27, 2025 10:33pm EDT FOX 5 Atlanta
{video}
Kool & The Gang member dies in Georgia car crash
A man who was part of the legendary group Kool and The Gang died in a car crash in Cobb County. Seventy-one-year-old Michael Sumler was killed in the wreck.
The Brief
• Michael Sumler, known as "Chicago Mike," died in a car crash in Cobb County; he was a longtime member of Kool & the Gang.
• Sumler 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.
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Michael Sumler, a longtime member of the legendary funk and R&B group Kool & the Gang, died in a car crash over the weekend in Georgia's Cobb County. He was 71.
What we know:
Known to many in the music industry as "Chicago Mike," Sumler was behind the wheel when his car collided with another vehicle just before midnight Saturday on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road.
He died at the scene.
{snip}
2 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Kool and the Gang were part of my fond memories of the past...
