Ronald LaPread, a revered co-founder and former bassist of the iconic R&B/funk group The Commodores, has passed away at the age of 75. His daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, shared the somber news on her Instagram Stories on Saturday, May 30. While specific details surrounding his death were initially limited, reports from the NZ Herald later indicated that LaPread died in Auckland, New Zealand, following a sudden medical event. He had resided in New Zealand for four decades prior to his passing.

LaPread's musical journey began during his time as a student at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where he, along with other members, laid the groundwork for The Commodores in the late 1960s. The initial seven-member ensemble eventually solidified its lineup to include Thomas McClary, Lionel Richie, Walter “Clyde” Orange, William King, and Ronald LaPread. The group quickly gained traction, notably touring as an opening act for the legendary Jackson 5, which ultimately led to their signing with Motown subsidiary MoWest in 1972.

Tuskegee Mayor Chris Lee paid tribute to LaPread, acknowledging his profound impact: “His talent, dedication, and success brought pride to Tuskegee and served as an inspiration to generations of young people who followed in his footsteps.” The Commodores achieved their first significant hit in 1974 with the instrumental "Machine Gun," penned by Milan Williams, which climbed to No. 7 on Billboard’s R&B chart. This success paved the way for a remarkable career, yielding seven No. 1 R&B hits, including beloved tracks such as "Slippery When Wet," "Just To Be Close to You," "Easy," "Nightshift," "Three Times a Lady," and "Still." Notably, "Three Times a Lady" and "Still" also reached the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100.

Ronald LaPread was an integral part of The Commodores from 1970 to 1986, contributing his bass artistry to 11 of the group’s albums and helping craft classics like "Brick House," "Three Times a Lady," and "Easy." Even after relocating to New Zealand in the late 1980s, he occasionally rejoined The Commodores for various concerts in the country, maintaining his connection to the band. Lionel Richie departed the group in 1982 to embark on a successful solo career, and The Commodores later transitioned to Polydor in the late 1980s. LaPread was not part of the group's current lineup at the time of his death.