Ronald LaPread, one of the founding members and bassist for the iconic soul band the Commodores, has died at the age of 75. His death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in one of Motown's most commercially successful acts of the 1970s and 1980s.
The musician's daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, announced her father's passing on social media Saturday. According to NZ Herald, LaPread died following a sudden medical event in Auckland, New Zealand, where he had resided since the 1980s. Soraya LaPread did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances of his death.
LaPread, originally from Alabama, co-founded the Commodores in 1968 alongside Lionel Richie, Walter "Clyde" Orange, William "WAK" King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary while they were students at Tuskegee Institute. The group initially performed under the name The Mystics before adopting the Commodores moniker that would become synonymous with soul music excellence.
Throughout his tenure with the group, LaPread contributed his bass guitar talents to 11 of the Commodores' albums. His musical contributions helped shape some of the band's most enduring hits, including "Brick House," "Three Times a Lady," and "Easy." These songs became defining tracks of an era and showcased the group's versatility across funk, soul, and romantic ballads.
The Commodores achieved remarkable commercial success during their peak years, selling more than 70 million albums worldwide and establishing themselves as one of Motown's premier acts. However, the group faced significant challenges following Lionel Richie's departure in the early 1980s to pursue a solo career that would bring him even greater fame.
Despite relocating to New Zealand decades ago, LaPread maintained his connection to the band. He reunited with the Commodores for select concerts in New Zealand over the years, most recently performing with the group during their 2025 tour. These appearances allowed fans to witness the original lineup's chemistry and musical prowess.
LaPread's death comes during a week when the Commodores made headlines for withdrawing from the Freedom 250's Great American State Fair, an event planned to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The group joined several other acts in pulling out of the celebration due to concerns over the event's political associations.
The loss of Ronald LaPread represents another chapter closing in the story of one of American music's most influential groups. His bass lines and musical vision helped create a sound that transcended generations and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. The Commodores' legacy, built in part through LaPread's contributions, remains firmly embedded in the fabric of soul and funk music history.
