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Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread dies aged 75

Created at 31 May · 5:33 PM5 sources↑ Market-relevant5 events
IN SHORT

Ronald LaPread, co-founder and bassist for the funk and soul band Commodores, has died at the age of 75. His daughter confirmed his death on social media following a sudden medical event in Auckland, New Zealand. LaPread was a member of the band from 1970 to 1986.

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Key Numbers

75age of Ronald LaPread
16 yearsLaPread's tenure with the Commodores
11albums LaPread played on
9Grammy Award nominations during LaPread's tenure
1Grammy Award won for 'Nightshift'
40 yearsLaPread lived in Auckland, New Zealand

Who's Involved

Ronald LaPread
Co-founder and former bassist of the Commodores
Soraya LaPread
Daughter of Ronald LaPread and music producer
Commodores
Funk, soul, and R&B band co-founded by LaPread
Lionel Richie
Co-founder of the Commodores
William King
Original member of the Commodores
Walter "Clyde" Orange
Original member of the Commodores
Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread dies aged 75

↳ Why This Matters

Ronald LaPread was a foundational member of the Commodores, a highly successful funk and soul band that rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. His bass playing was integral to many of their biggest hits, including 'Brick House' and 'Three Times a Lady.' His passing marks the loss of a significant figure in popular music history.

Key facts

  • Ronald LaPread, co-founder and bassist for the Commodores, died at age 75.
  • His daughter, Soraya LaPread, confirmed his death on social media.
  • LaPread died following a sudden medical event in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • He was a member of the Commodores from 1970 to 1986, playing on 11 albums.
  • His bass work featured on hits like 'Brick House,' 'Easy,' and 'Three Times a Lady.'
  • The band earned nine Grammy nominations during his tenure, winning one for 'Nightshift.'

Ronald LaPread was a foundational member of the Commodores, a highly successful funk and soul band that rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. His bass playing was integral to many of their biggest hits, including 'Brick House' and 'Three Times a Lady.' His passing marks the loss of a significant figure in popular music history.

Frequently asked questions

Ronald LaPread was the co-founder and bassist for the funk and soul band Commodores. He was a member from 1970 to 1986.

Ronald LaPread died at the age of 75. His daughter confirmed his death on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

According to reports, LaPread died in Auckland, New Zealand, where he had resided for 40 years.

LaPread's bass work can be heard on hits such as 'Brick House,' 'Easy,' 'Three Times a Lady,' 'Sail On,' 'Still,' and 'Nightshift.'

What Happens Next

01LaPread's daughter expressed hopes of performing with the Commodores again.
02LaPread joined the Commodores' current lineup for a show in Auckland in October 2025.

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Cadence

How It Developed

1 Jun · 8:57 AM
The article confirms the death of Commodores co-founder Ronald LaPread at age 75, but provides no new details beyond what was previously known.
The Independent | News via PiQSuite
31 May · 7:04 PM
Ronald LaPread, co-founder of the Commodores, died at 75 following a sudden medical event in Auckland, New Zealand.
Daily Mail via PiQSuite
31 May · 5:21 PM
Ronald LaPread, bassist for the Commodores known for hits like 'Three Times a Lady', has died at the age of 75.
The Independent | News via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread, known for 'Three Times a Lady' and more, dies aged 75m.piqsuite.com
T1
Ronald LaPread, co-founder of legendary group the Commodores, dead at 75m.piqsuite.com
T1
Commodores co-founder and former bassist Ronald LaPread dead at 75m.piqsuite.com
T1
Ronald LaPread dead at age 75: Commodores founding member dies after 'sudden medical event'm.piqsuite.com
T1
Co-founder of legendary funk and soul group Commodores dies aged 75m.piqsuite.com