Ronald LaPread, the founding bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the legendary R&B and funk group The Commodores, has died at the age of 75.
His daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, announced the news Saturday in a heartfelt social media post.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my father Ronald LaPread has passed,” she wrote.
No official cause of death was released. However, New Zealand’s NZ Herald reported that LaPread died in Auckland following a sudden medical event. He had lived in New Zealand since the 1980s.
Born in Alabama, LaPread helped form The Commodores in 1968 while attending Tuskegee Institute alongside Lionel Richie, Walter “Clyde” Orange, William “WAK” King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary. The group originally performed under the name The Mystics before signing with Motown Records in 1972.
LaPread became an integral part of The Commodores’ signature sound, appearing on 11 albums and contributing to some of the group’s biggest hits, including “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Sail On.”
One of Motown’s most successful acts, The Commodores sold more than 70 million records worldwide and helped define the sound of R&B, soul, and funk throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Although LaPread relocated to New Zealand in 1986, he maintained close ties with the band and occasionally reunited with them for special performances. Most recently, he joined The Commodores on stage during their 2025 New Zealand tour.
In a statement, The Commodores paid tribute to their longtime friend and bandmate.
“Today we mourn the loss of our brother, friend, and original bassist, Ronald LaPread.
Ronald was a phenomenal musician, an accomplished songwriter, and a vital part of The Commodores’ sound and success. His contributions to our music and his friendship enriched our lives beyond measure. We were grateful to perform with him again last fall in New Zealand.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Farrah, his children Ronald Jr. and Soraya, and all who loved him. His legacy lives on through the music he helped create and the countless people he inspired.
Rest easy, Ronald. You will always be a Commodore.“
LaPread’s former bandmate Lionel Richie also shared an emotional tribute, referencing lyrics from the Commodores’ classic song “Zoom.”
“Pread, you will be missed my dear brother. What a ride!” Richie wrote.
Tuskegee Mayor Chris Lee honored LaPread’s legacy, praising the musician’s impact on both his hometown and the music industry.
“Ron received his musical start while attending Tuskegee Institute High School and later Tuskegee University, where he helped build the foundation for a remarkable career that would impact music fans around the world,” Lee said.
“His talent, dedication, and success brought pride to Tuskegee and served as an inspiration to generations of young people who followed in his footsteps.”
LaPread remained a member of The Commodores from 1970 until 1986 and helped create the soundtrack to an era through his musicianship, songwriting, and unmistakable bass lines.
His influence can still be heard in the timeless music he helped create, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans around the world.
