Commodores Co-Founder Ronald LaPread Passes Away at 75
Ronald LaPread, one of the founding members of the legendary Commodores and the band's longtime bassist, has passed away at the age of 75.
The news was shared by his daughter, Sonya, in an emotional Instagram Story on Saturday.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed," she wrote.
No official cause of d3ath was disclosed by the family. However, the New Zealand Herald reported that LaPread experienced a sudden medical event.
LaPread helped establish the Commodores in 1968 alongside fellow musicians including Lionel Richie, Walter Orange, William King, Milan Williams and Thomas McClary. The group came together while studying at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
After signing with Motown in 1972, the Commodores rose to become one of the label's most successful acts. Their catalogue produced enduring classics such as Three Times a Lady, Brick House and Nightshift.
Over the course of their career, the group sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and earned a Grammy Award in 1986 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Nightshift."
LaPread remained with the Commodores from 1970 until 1986 before relocating to New Zealand, where he spent the last four decades of his life.
Following news of his passing, Chris Lee paid tribute to the musician on social media.
"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," the statement read.
Lee praised LaPread's journey from local student musician to international star, saying his success brought pride to Tuskegee and inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams.
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