Ronald LaPread, Co-Founder of The Commodores and Legendary Bassist, Dies at 75

Ronald LaPread, a founding member and longtime bassist of the legendary R&B and funk group The Commodores, has died at the age of 75.

His daughter, Soraya LaPread, confirmed his passing in a social media post shared on Saturday, May 30, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

"It is with very heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed," she wrote. No official cause of death was immediately given, Billboard reported. However, reports from the NZ Herald said LaPread died in Auckland after what was described as a "sudden medical event." He had been living in New Zealand for about 40 years.

LaPread was one of the key members who helped shape The Commodores, a group that began in the late 1960s when students from Tuskegee Institute in Alabama came together to form a band.

The original lineup included Lionel Richie, Walter "Clyde" Orange, William King, Milan Williams, Thomas McClary, and LaPread. The group signed with Motown's MoWest label in 1972 after gaining early attention while touring as an opening act for the Jackson 5. From there, The Commodores became one of the biggest R&B acts of their era.

Ronald LaPread Remembered for Bass Work

A major part of their early success came from LaPread's bass work, which helped power hits like "Brick House," "Easy," and "Three Times a Lady." The band went on to score seven No. 1 R&B singles and became known for blending funk grooves with soulful ballads that reached global audiences.

Tuskegee Mayor Chris Lee paid tribute to LaPread's impact, noting how his journey began at Tuskegee University.

"His talent, dedication, and success brought pride to Tuskegee and served as an inspiration to generations of young people," Lee said in a statement shared on Facebook.

According to RollingStone, LaPread performed with The Commodores from 1970 until 1986, appearing on 11 albums during his time with the group. After leaving the band, he moved to New Zealand but continued performing occasionally with The Commodores during later tours in the region.

Even in recent years, LaPread reunited with former bandmates for select performances, including shows in Auckland, where the group maintained a strong fan base.

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