Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Ronald LaPread, the Grammy-winning bassist and founding member of the Commodores, has died aged 75.
The singer – who was a key member of the influential funk and soul group – passed away after what has been described as a “sudden medical event” in Auckland, New Zealand, according to reports and a statement shared by his daughter.
Ronald helping shape some of the Commodores’ biggest hits including Brick House, Easy and Three Times a Lady.
News of his death was announced on Saturday (30.05.26) by his daughter, Soraya LaPread, who shared the update with followers on Instagram.
The New Zealand Herald reported Ronald died in Auckland from a “sudden” medical incident.
The singer had lived in the city for decades after leaving the Commodores and relocating from the United States.
Soraya said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my father Ronald LaPread has passed.”
The Commodores remain one of the most successful groups to emerge from the Motown era, selling more than 70 million records worldwide and producing a string of chart-topping hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Ronald’s tenure in the band coincided with its commercial peak, when Lionel Richie served as co-lead singer before embarking on his hugely successful solo career.
Recent years have seen renewed interest in Lionel’s music through his role as a judge on American Idol, while classics such as Easy and Three Times a Lady continue to find new audiences through streaming platforms and film and television placements.
Lionel’s enduring popularity has also kept attention focused on the Commodores’ legacy and the musicians who helped create their signature sound.
Ronald joined the group shortly after its formation and remained a central figure during a remarkable run of success that began after the band signed with Motown in 1972.
The Commodores had first gained wider recognition while touring as a support act for the Jackson 5, before becoming stars in their own right.
Originally formed at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, now Tuskegee University, the band emerged from two student groups known as the Mystics and the Jays.
Alongside Lionel, founding members included Thomas McClary, William King, Andre Callahan, Michael Gilbert and Milan Williams.
The Commodores enjoyed major success with a blend of funk anthems and soulful ballads.
Tracks including Brick House, Lady (You Bring Me Up), Fancy Dancer and Too Hot ta Trot became dancefloor staples, while Easy, Sail On, Still and Three Times a Lady established the group as one of the defining soul acts of the era.
Their instrumental track Machine Gun became a fixture at sporting events across the United States and later featured in films including Boogie Nights and Looking for Mr. Goodbar.
The group was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and won one Grammy Award from nine nominations.
Ronald left the Commodores in 1986 and settled in New Zealand, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Neither the Commodores nor Lionel had publicly commented on the reports at the time of writing.
