Ronald LaPread, Co-Founding Member of the Commodores, Dead at 75

Ronald LaPread, a founding member and former bassist of the Commodores who performed on the group’s hits including “Brick House, “Three Times a Lady,” and “Easy,” has died. He was 75.

Soraya LaPread, his daughter, confirmed the news on Saturday via social media. “It is with very heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed,” she posted. The cause of death was not divulged. NZ Herald reports that the bassist died in Auckland “following a sudden medical event.” He had been living in New Zealand for the past 40 years.

LaPread co-founded the Commodores, first known as the Mystics, with Lionel Richie, Walter “Clyde” Orange, William King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary. The formed while attending Tuskagee Institute in Alabama and signed to Motown in 1972.

“Ron received his musical start while attending Tuskegee Institute High School and later Tuskegee University, where he helped build the foundation for a remarkable career that would impact music fans around the world,” Tuskagee Mayor Chris Lee wrote in a statement. “His talent, dedication, and success brought pride to Tuskegee and served as an inspiration to generations of young people who followed in his footsteps.” After expressing his condolences to LaPread’s family, former bandmates, and fans, Lee added: “Ronald LaPread’s music and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.”

LaPread remained a part of the soulful, funk group from 1970 through 1986 when he moved to New Zealand. He appeared on 11 of their albums, playing on hits that included “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Easy.”

While he left the group in 1986, LaPread reunited with the Commodores and Lionel Richie in recent years when they toured through New Zealand, according to NZ Herald, including their stop at Spark Arena in Auckland last year.

LaPread’s death follows news that the current lineup of the Commodores announced they would not perform during the “Great American State Fair” on Washington D.C.’s National Mall as part of Freedom 250. King confirmed to Rolling Stone over the phone that the band would not be performing at the event. “Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party,” the band said in a statement on Instagram. “We support the betterment of all Americans.”