Commodores co-founder and former bassist Ronald LaPread dead at 75
Commodores Co-Founder and Former Bassist Ronald LaPread Passes Away at 75
Commodores co founder and former bassist - Ronald LaPread, the Commodores co-founder and former bassist, has passed away at the age of 75, marking the end of an era for the iconic funk and soul band. His daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, confirmed his death on social media, sharing the heartbreaking news with her followers. The news comes after a sudden medical event in Auckland, New Zealand, where LaPread had resided for nearly four decades before his passing. As a key member of the Commodores, LaPread's contributions to the group’s sound and success remain deeply celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Early Life and Role in the Commodores' Formation
Ronald LaPread was born in 1948 and became a central figure in the Commodores’ story. The band was co-founded in 1970 by LaPread, Lionel Richie, Walter "Clyde" Orange, Thomas McClary, William King, and Milan Williams while they were students at Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in Alabama. LaPread’s bass playing and musical intuition helped shape the group’s early identity, which blended funk, R&B, and soul into a signature sound. His collaboration with Richie, in particular, laid the groundwork for the band’s eventual rise to global fame.
A Career Shaped by Hits and Grammy Recognition
LaPread’s tenure with the Commodores spanned 16 years, during which he played on 11 of the group’s albums and contributed to some of their most enduring tracks. His bass lines can be heard on classics like “Machine Gun,” “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Nightshift,” which became anthems of the 1970s and 1980s. The band’s 1974 debut album, “Machine Gun,” was a critical and commercial success, and LaPread’s work earned them nine Grammy Award nominations. In 1986, the group clinched a Grammy for best Rhythm & Blues vocal performance, a testament to the lasting impact of his musical legacy.
Legacy Beyond the Band’s Breakup
Although LaPread left the Commodores in 1986, he never fully stepped away from the music scene. Instead, he embraced a life in New Zealand, where he remained deeply connected to the band’s legacy. He frequently reunited with former members for special performances, keeping the Commodores’ spirit alive for new generations of fans. Even in his later years, LaPread continued to create music, as revealed during a 2022 appearance on the YouTube series “Truth in Rhythm,” where he shared his passion for playing bass and keyboard daily. His daughter, Soraya, highlighted his enduring joy in music, saying, “I play some bass and some keyboard and some singing. I do it every day because that’s my joy. I love it. I believe that God gave me that gift, but I will use it until I can’t do it anymore.”
"I play some bass and some keyboard and some singing. I do it every day because that’s my joy. I love it. I believe that God gave me that gift, but I will use it until I can’t do it anymore." — Ronald LaPread
Tributes and the Impact of His Work
The music world mourns the loss of Ronald LaPread, whose bass work defined the Commodores’ sound and helped them become one of the most influential acts of the 1970s and 1980s. His departure from the group marked a turning point, but his influence continued to resonate. As a Commodores co-founder and former bassist, LaPread’s role in crafting hits like “Easy” and “Sail On” solidified his place in the band’s history. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow artists, with many praising his technical skill and artistic contributions. His daughter’s social media post has sparked a wave of nostalgia, reminding audiences of the band’s golden era and the collaborative genius that LaPread brought to it.
While the band’s success was driven by the collective talents of its members, LaPread’s bass lines provided the rhythmic foundation that anchored their sound. His ability to blend intricate rhythms with emotional depth made him a standout figure in the group. The Commodores co-founder and former bassist’s work on albums like “Nightshift” not only earned Grammy recognition but also showcased the group’s versatility as artists. Even after his death, his music continues to be a cornerstone of the band’s catalog, and his passing leaves a void in the legacy of one of soul and funk’s most iconic ensembles.