AUCKLAND — Ronald LaPread, co-founder and former bassist of the Commodores, died at the age of 75 following a sudden medical event in Auckland. His daughter Sonya announced his death in an Instagram Story on Saturday, writing, "It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed."
LaPread co-founded the Commodores in 1968 alongside Lionel Richie, Walter Orange, William King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary. The group formed while its members were attending the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and LaPread remained a member from 1970 to 1986. During that time, he played bass on hits including "Brick House," "Three Times a Lady," "Easy," and "Nightshift." The Commodores signed with Motown in 1972 and became one of the label's most successful funk and soul groups, eventually selling over 70 million albums worldwide. The band won a Grammy in 1986 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Nightshift," the same year LaPread departed the group.
LaPread relocated to New Zealand and lived there for the past 40 years. He reunited with the Commodores and Lionel Richie for tours in New Zealand in recent years, including a performance at Spark Arena in Auckland last year.
Chris Lee, Mayor of Tuskegee, issued a statement mourning LaPread’s death. "The City of Tuskegee mourns the passing of Ronald LaPread, legendary bassist of Tuskegee’s very own Commodores and one of our community’s most distinguished native sons," Lee said. He added, "His talent, dedication, and success brought pride to Tuskegee and served as an inspiration to generations of young people who followed in his footsteps."