Home / Arts and Entertainment / Commodores Bassist Ronald LaPread Dies at 75
Commodores Bassist Ronald LaPread Dies at 75
31 May
Summary
- Founding Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread has died at age 75.
- He performed on iconic hits like "Brick House" and "Easy."
- LaPread lived in New Zealand for the last 40 years.
Ronald LaPread, a pivotal founding member and bassist of the Grammy-winning group the Commodores, has died at 75. His passing was confirmed by his daughter, Soraya LaPread, who shared the sad news via social media on Saturday. LaPread died in Auckland, New Zealand, where he had been living for the past 40 years, reportedly following a sudden medical event.
LaPread helped establish the Commodores, initially known as the Mystics, while attending Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The band signed with Motown in 1972 and went on to achieve global fame. His distinctive basslines defined many of the group's most memorable songs, including "Brick House," "Three Times a Lady," and "Easy."
His tenure with the Commodores spanned from 1970 to 1986. Despite leaving the group, LaPread reunited with his former bandmates, including Lionel Richie, for tours in New Zealand in recent years. Tuskegee Mayor Chris Lee commemorated LaPread's legacy, highlighting his significant contribution to music and the pride he brought to their hometown, inspiring future generations.
