The Commodores co-founder, Alabama native dead at 75: ‘I am devastated’
His daughter revealed the news over the weekend on social media.
Liam Carter 
The music world is mourning the loss of a legend. Ronald LaPread, the talented bassist and co-founder of the iconic funk group The Commodores, has passed away at the age of 75.
A Legacy of Funk
LaPread was a cornerstone of The Commodores for 16 years, performing with the band from 1970 to 1986. Over the course of 11 albums, his signature bass lines helped define the sound of massive hits such as “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Sail On.”
Remembering the Alabama Native
Though he was a longtime resident of New Zealand, LaPread was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. Reports, including details from the New Zealand Herald, indicate he died in Auckland following a sudden medical event. TMZ noted that the Grammy winner had been dealing with a brief illness prior to his passing.
His daughter, Soraya LaPread, shared the heartbreaking news on social media over the weekend. In a moving tribute posted to Instagram, she reflected on their bond: “We were the best daddy daughter duo. If you know me you know my Dad. I am devastated. A piece of me is gone from this world.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed,” she added in an earlier statement, as reported by EW.com. “Please pray for my Dad to be in the highest heaven... Do as he did and be kind to each other.”
Close friend and “Newstalk ZB” host Tim Roxborogh expressed shock at the news, noting that the musician had appeared healthy and vibrant, according to the New Zealand Herald. Stay tuned to 205focus.com for more updates on this story.
