Music

Ronald LaPread, Commodores Co-Founder and Ex-Bassist, Dies at 75

Ronald LaPread, co-founding member and former bassist of the Commodores, has passed away at 75. He died in Auckland, where he had resided for four decades.

Rolling Stone·May 31, 2026·via Rolling Stone

Ronald LaPread, Commodores Co-Founder and Ex-Bassist, Dies at 75

Obituary

Ronald LaPread, Co-Founding Member and Former Bassist of the Commodores, Dead at 75

The bassist died in Auckland, where he lived for four decades

By Althea Legaspi

Althea Legaspi

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May 31, 2026

Ronald LaPread , a founding member and former bassist of the Commodores who performed on the group’s hits including “Brick House, “Three Times a Lady,” and “Easy,” has died. He was 75.

Soraya LaPread, his daughter, confirmed the news on Saturday via social media. “It is with very heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed,” she posted . The cause of death was not divulged. NZ Herald reports that the bassist died in Auckland “following a sudden medical event.” He had been living in New Zealand for the past 40 years.

LaPread co-founded the Commodores, first known as the Mystics, with Lionel Richie, Walter “Clyde” Orange, William King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary. The formed while attending Tuskagee Institute in Alabama and signed to Motown in 1972.

“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,” Tuskagee Mayor Chris Lee wrote in a statement. “His talent, dedication, and success brought pride to Tuskegee and served as an inspiration to generations of young people who followed in his footsteps.” After expressing his condolences to LaPread’s family, former bandmates, and fans, Lee added: “Ronald LaPread’s music and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.”

LaPread remained a part of the soulful, funk group from 1970 through 1986 when he moved to New Zealand. He appeared on 11 of their albums, playing on hits that included “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Easy.”