Life is a series of cycles in which we celebrate new beginnings and mourn our losses. On May 28th, the music community was deeply saddened by the passing of a member of Kool & The Gang, Michael Sumler.
While this moment brings somber feelings, it also holds profound meaning as mourning and reflection intertwine. Michael Sumler and his colleagues were not just musicians; they were builders of bridges, creating music that connected generations. As summer arrives and their timeless hits continue to be in rotation on cookout playlists, the loss of Michael Sumler will be felt deeply.
A Fusion of Jazz, Soul, and Funk: Kool & The Gang
In 1964, seven gifted individuals united to create something that would become iconic. As highlighted by the Kool and the Gang platform,
“Ronald Bell and his brother, Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, teamed up with their Jersey City neighborhood friends Robert ‘Spike’ Mickens, Dennis ‘Dee Tee’ Thomas, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith to craft a distinctive musical fusion of jazz, soul, and funk.”
They weren’t always known as Kool & the Gang. Before settling on this legendary name, the group was in search of the perfect brand. Sources indicate that they experimented with several names before ultimately finding success. Perhaps it was the name that found them perfectly summing up who they were.
Kool & The Gang: Cementing Legacy
From the 1970s onward, they steadily climbed the ranks and left a significant mark on the world, showcasing the strength of their talent. In 1980, they released “Celebration,” an anthem that became a cultural milestone. As noted,
“Celebration, which played when the American hostages returned from Iran, remains essential at joyous occasions globally”.
https://youtu.be/3GwjfUFyY6M?si=cwcN6icxABlURkyV
While this song is the heartbeat of many events, it wasn’t their only impactful hit. Other memorable tracks include “Cherish,” “Get Down on It,” and “Jungle Boogie.” With a hit list so long, it’s hard not to celebrate their contribution.
Cross-generational Influence
Kool & The Gang serves as a quintessential example of musical excellence and has made significant contributions to defining what success in the music industry entails. The group’s impact is thoroughly documented, showcasing how their distinctive drum patterns, bass lines, guitar segments, and iconic horn arrangements have been integrated into the works of numerous prominent artists, including the Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cypress Hill, and P. Diddy. Kool & The Gang holds the distinction of being the most sampled band in hip-hop music. Furthermore, their compositions have been featured in notable film soundtracks, including “Rocky,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” among others.
Sumler Bids The World Adieu
Today, we continue to mourn the loss of “Chicago Mike” Sumler, who passed away at the age of 71 in a tragic car accident. Reports indicate that what led to his untimely demise was a vehicular collision. What Sumler will be remembered for is so much more than his talent and industry contribution.
He will be remembered as someone who generously shared the gifts he was given until the end. Sumler’s life models the ideology that talent makes an impact, but giving back creates a legacy. Those who knew him will attest to this. A close acquaintance recalled him as a person who consistently used his abilities to nurture and uplift others. In the words of Adrian Meeks, a representative from Song Source Music,
“He [Sumler] was the bridge for inspiring artists, songwriters, producers, and musicians to the legends.”
Celebrating Sumler
One true thing is that his is a legacy created from substance, goodwill, and great character. And no one can wash that away. So , we extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of this incredible talent. May his legacy, along with his bandmates’, never be forgotten.
Written by
Renae Richardson
