Michael Sumler, a long-time member of Kool & the Gang, has died in a car crash.
Michael Owens, the mayor of Mableton, north of Atlanta, said in a Facebook post: “This Memorial Day weekend the world lost a music legend.
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.”
He added: “The city of Mableton, City Council and I join his friends, family and fans in mourning his loss.”
According to local news outlet the Cobb County Courier, the musician’s car was involved in a collision with another vehicle.
Sumler died at the scene.
In a post on Facebook, the band said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler.
“Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2000-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night.
“He also hyped the crowd with his energy and dance moves at the top of the show.”
They added: “Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace.”
Kool & the Gang in 2018 (L-R): Dennis Thomas, George Brown, Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, and Ronald Bell. Pic: Reuters
Sumler was widely described as a backing vocalist for the pop veterans, who formed in New Jersey in the 1960s and rose to worldwide fame in the following two decades.
Adrian Meeks, Sumler’s friend, told Fox 5 Atlanta his death came as “a devastating blow” to all those who knew him.
He said Sumler “always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he’d been around most all of his life”.
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Kool & the Gang have undergone numerous changes in personnel and have explored many musical styles throughout their history, including jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, disco, rock, and pop music since releasing their first album in 1969.
They have won numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, and have sold more than 70 million albums worldwide.