Michael Sumler of Kool & the Gang has died. He was 71 years old. The band confirmed his death with a statement, saying that "Chicago Mike" made sure the band "looked their best on stage every night" ...

He first crossed paths with the legendary group in 1985 when he was performing with his own band, Power Pac. By McKinley Franklin Mike Sumler, hype man of the Grammy Award-winning group Kool & the ...

"Chicago Mike" became part of the R&B group in 1985 Marina Watts is a Digital Writer, Music at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2024. Her work has previously appeared on Bustle, The US Sun ...