Ronald LaPread, original bassist for the Commodores, dies at age 75 and moves the music world

The music world said goodbye to Ronald LaPread, original bassist and one of the founders of the Commodores. The musician died at the age of 75 in Auckland, New Zealand, the country where he had lived for several decades. According to the obituary released by the family, LaPread died suddenly on May 30, but the official cause of death was not publicly detailed.

The news generated commotion among fans, musicians and admirers of Motown's history. Ronald LaPread was a key player in building the classic sound of the Commodores, a group that had a profound impact on funk, soul and R&B in the 1970s and 1980s.

In an emotional statement, the Commodores mourned the loss of their former bandmate. The group highlighted that Ronald was a phenomenal musician, talented songwriter and vital part of the band's sound and success. The message also sent condolences to his wife Farrah, children Ronald Jr. and Soraya, and stated that his legacy will live on through the music he helped create.

The death was also confirmed by his daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, on social media. Ronald has lived in New Zealand for the last 40 years and, even though he was away from the classic formation of the Commodores, he remained connected to the musical universe.

LaPread helped shape the group's sonic identity in its most important phase. Founded in the late 1960s, the Commodores became one of the biggest names of the golden era of Motown Records. Alongside Lionel Richie and the other members, Ronald participated in the creation of a repertoire that spanned generations.

His bass lines are present in unforgettable hits such as Brick House, Easy and Three Times a Lady. He was part of the Commodores until 1986, participated in 11 of the group's albums and even reunited with former colleagues in recent performances in New Zealand.

Among the most moving tributes was that of Lionel Richie, who shared stages and studios with LaPread during the band's rise. Richie mourned the loss of his friend and recalled the journey he lived alongside the bassist, reinforcing Ronald's importance in the history of the Commodores.

LaPread's farewell occurred in a week in which the Commodores' name also gained prominence for another reason. The band's current lineup announced the cancellation of its participation in the Great American State Fair, an event linked to Freedom 250, an initiative created to celebrate 250 years of United States independence.

The group stated that their music has always been their voice and that they preferred not to be publicly associated with any political party. The decision was made before the death of Ronald LaPread, who had been away from the Commodores for around four decades.

The Great American State Fair is scheduled to take place between June 25 and July 10, 2026, on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C. The event's proposal is to bring together pavilions from American states and territories, live attractions, interactive experiences and typical fair activities, with free entry.

The controversy grew because some artists stated that they agreed to participate believing that it was a non-partisan civic celebration. However, Freedom 250 is linked to the task force created by the White House to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The situation sparked debate about the relationship between cultural events, politics and transparency in official celebrations.

In addition to the Commodores, other artists also retreated, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC and Morris Day and The Time. The departure of several names from the program increased the repercussion of the case in the American press.

Despite the political controversy surrounding the current formation of the group, the center of the news remains the farewell to Ronald LaPread. His work as bassist, songwriter and founder of the Commodores helped create some of the most important songs in black American music. Their mark remains alive in the groove, elegance and musical strength of a band that marked an era.