Posted on 06/01/2026 12:46:27 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The founding member and bassist of the Commodores performed on many of the funk and soul group’s hits, including ‘Brick House.’
Ronald LaPread, a founding member and former bassist of the Commodores, has died. He performed on a number of the funk and soul group’s hits “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Easy.” LaPread was 75.
Soraya LaPread, the musician’s daughter, confirmed the news on Saturday via a social media post. “It is with very heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed,” she wrote. She did not mention a cause of death. According to the NZ Herald, the bassist died in Auckland following a “sudden medical event.” The musician had lived in New Zealand for the past 40 years.
Foster Sylvers of The Sylvers Has Died ‘Ridin’ High’: Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Move On Up ‘Hip Hug-Her’: Up Close And Personal With Booker T & The MGs LaPread co-founded the Commodores with Lionel Richie, Walter “Clyde” Orange, William King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary. The group was first known as the Mystics. They formed while attending Tuskegee 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,” Tuskegee 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.” Lee expressed his condolences to LaPread’s family, former bandmates, and fans. He then noted: “Ronald LaPread’s music and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.”
LaPread remained a member of the group 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.”
LaPread recently reunited with the Commodores and Lionel Richie when they toured through New Zealand, according to NZ Herald, including their stop at Spark Arena in Auckland last year.
One day after ‘dissin’ the President.
I saw them in concert a couple times. A quality act.
The three most plausible causes of death are:
1) clot shot, or
2) knew too much on the Clintons, or
3) publicly stated that Beyonce isn't half the brick house that Sidney Sweeney is.
Who?
When I was young kid I always used to think the lyric was, “She’s a bitch, Ow!”
Maybe this is why they backed out?
The lyrics to that song were written by a woman.
I attended a party in Tuskegee many years ago and the host (a friend of mine from my job) was friends with the band. I talked one on one with Walter Orange for about 15 minutes. He was a very nice guy.
Yeah, I think he was the drummer and also sang “Brickhouse” and others.
Got a link for that, lee?
I grew up about 15-20 minutes from Tuskegee and worked there for a couple of jobs when I was young.
This is speculation only. Not real journalism.
That’s what you get for dumping Trump.
A guy I worked with toured with the Commodores back in the day. Apparently one of their members could sing and dance but wasn’t a good guitarist.
My friend played his parts offstage.
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