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Key Points

Mike Sumler, who was a longstanding member of the iconic band Kool & the Gang, tragically passed away in a car crash at the age of 71. Serving as the band's hype man, stylist, and choreographer, Sumler contributed significantly to their stage performances from 2000 to 2015. His journey with the group began after impressing them with his Chicago band, Power Pac, which led to his on-stage role following further friendship and collaboration. The band shared their deep sorrow on social media, remembering Sumler's passion and energy.

Key Points: Kool & the Gang's Mike Sumler Dies in Tragic Car Crash

  • Mike Sumler, 71, renowned Kool & the Gang member died in a car crash
  • Sumler served as hype man, stylist, and choreographer for the band from 2000-2015
  • He originally joined Kool & the Gang after impressing them with his own band, Power Pac
2 min read

Mike Sumler, member of Kool & the Gang, dies in car crash

Mike Sumler, key member of Kool & the Gang, dies at 71 in a car crash.

"We're deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler. - Kool & the Gang"

Los Angeles, May 30

Mike Sumler, hype man of the Grammy Award-winning group Kool & the Gang, is no more.

Los Angeles [US], May 30 (ANI): Mike Sumler, hype man of the Grammy Award-winning group Kool & the Gang, is no more.

Sumler died in a car crash, The Hollywood Reporter reported, citing information from Fox 5 Atlanta.

The R&B group also confirmed his death in a Wednesday post on X.

"We're deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler," Kool & the Gang wrote on X.

"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."

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Sumler first crossed paths with the legendary group in 1985 when he was performing with his own band, Power Pac.

Sumler looked back on the experience of meeting Kool & the Gang in a 2018 interview with Kelly Talk Show where he said that "One of the Kool & the Gang security guys caught our act in the club in Chicago and we became friends."

He continued to travel with the group as their stylist-choreographer, but "Once they saw that I could do some other things, they said we need to have you onstage." That's when Sumler was brought on-stage with the "Get Down on It" hitmakers as their hype man, and went on to provide background vocals for their music.

He was 71.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
So sad to hear this news. Kool & the Gang's music was huge in India during the 80s and 90s. "Celebration" still plays at every Indian wedding reception! Mike's energy must have been incredible to watch live. RIP legend 🙏
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Priya M.
Tragic loss! My father used to play their cassette tapes non-stop when I was growing up in Mumbai. Mike Sumler contributed so much to their iconic stage presence. 71 is too young these days. Condolences to his family and the band members.
A
Arjun S.
While this is sad news, I wish Indian media would give equal coverage to our own legendary musicians who pass away. How many Indians know about Ustad Rashid Khan or Lata Mangeshkar's contributions? Just saying we should balance international and domestic coverage better.
S
Sneha R.
OMG! "Get Down on It" was my college anthem! 😭 Mike's dance moves in the background videos were electrifying. This news hits hard - these artists created the soundtrack of our youth. Hope he's jamming up there with all the greats now.
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Vikram J.
Car crashes claim too many lives worldwide. In India we lose about 150,000 people annually to road accidents - maybe we should learn from countries with better road safety while mourning this tragedy. RIP Mike Sumler, your music brought joy to millions.

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