Michael Sumler
Mike Sumler, the electrifying spirit and beloved hype man behind Kool & the Gang’s legendary performances, has sadly passed away at the age of 71. His unexpected death, the result of a car accident over Memorial Day weekend, was confirmed by Fox 5 Atlanta, sending waves of sorrow through the music world.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on X, Kool & the Gang honored Sumler’s legacy with deep emotion. “We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler,” the band wrote. “Mike worked with Kool & the Gang from 2000 to 2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also energized the crowd with his dance moves and infectious spirit.”
Sumler’s journey with the iconic R&B group began in 1985 when he performed with his band Power Pac. A fateful encounter with a member of Kool & the Gang’s security team during a club show in Chicago sparked a friendship that would eventually evolve into a decades-long collaboration.
As he joined the band’s entourage as a stylist and choreographer, Sumler’s vibrant energy and undeniable charisma quickly led him into the spotlight. “Once they saw that I could do some other things, they said we need to have you onstage,” he recalled in a 2018 interview on the Kelly Talk Show. From there, he became a central figure in their live shows, not only as their hype man but also as a background vocalist who added depth and flair to their signature sound.
Kool & the Gang famed for hits like “Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” and “Get Down on It” earned three Grammy nominations and secured a Grammy win in 1979 as part of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Their enduring influence was further recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 and, most recently, their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
Mike Sumler’s legacy lives on in the rhythm, joy, and soul he brought to the stage and in the hearts of fans who were lucky enough to witness his magic.
