Ronald LaPread, a co-founder and former bassist of the Commodores, has died at 75. In a public social media post on Saturday, his daughter, Soraya LaPread, announced his death and shared a personal tribute to her father. A cause of death was not disclosed in the initial family announcement.
The Commodores also paid tribute to LaPread, recognizing his role in shaping the group’s sound and legacy. Lionel Richie, who co-founded the band with LaPread and other members, also shared condolences.
LaPread helped form the Commodores while the members were students in Tuskegee, Alabama. The group went on to become one of Motown’s major acts, blending funk, soul, pop, and R&B into a sound that reached a wide audience.
His bass work was part of some of the band’s best-known songs, including Brick House, Easy, Three Times a Lady, Still, and Nightshift. LaPread remained with the group until 1986 and later lived in New Zealand.