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Kool & the Gang’s Michael Sumler, Known as ‘Chicago Mike,’ Dead at 71

Michael Sumler, who worked alongside funk legends Kool & the Gang as their band's hypeman and was known as "Chicago Mike," died at age 71.

Michael Sumler, who worked alongside funk legends Kool & the Gang as their hype man and was known as “Chicago Mike,” died in a car crash on Sunday in Georgia. Local Atlanta television station 11Alive reported that Sumler was traveling on Veterans Memorial Highway in Cobb County when he collided with another vehicle. In his induction speech for Kool & the Gang, Public Enemy’s Chuck D, honored the group’s profound and lasting impact on music.

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