Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread who played on ‘Brick House’ dies at 75
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Commodores co-founder and former bassist Ronald LaPread has passed away. He was 75 years old.
On Saturday, LaPread’s daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, confirmed her father’s death on social media.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce that my father, Ronald LaPread, has passed away,” Soraya wrote in a post shared on her Instagram Story. Soraya also uploaded a photo of herself embracing LaPread.
Commodores co-founder and former bassist Ronald LaPread has died at the age of 75. (Raymond Boyd/Getty Images; Gilles Petard/Redferns)
No cause of death was immediately given. But, NZHerald It was reported on Saturday that LaPread died following a “sudden medical event” in Auckland, New Zealand. According to the publication, LaPread was living in Auckland 40 years before his death.
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LaPread formed the Commodores with Lionel Richie, Walter “Clyde” Orange, Thomas McClary, William King and Milan Williams after they met as students at Tuskegee Institute, later known as Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee, Alabama.
LaPread’s daughter, Soraya LaPread, announced his death on Instagram on Saturday. (Soraya LaPread Instagram)
In 1971, the Commodores were chosen to open for the Jackson 5; it was a huge success that helped them gain national recognition. The funk, soul and R&B group signed with Motown in 1972 and released their first studio album, “Machine Gun” in 1974.
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LaPread was a member of the Commodores for 16 years, from 1970 to 1986, and played on 11 of their albums. His bass work can be heard on some of the legendary band’s biggest hits, including “Machine Gun”, “Brick House”, “Easy”, “Three Times a Lady”, “Sail On”, “Still” and “Nightshift”.
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During LaPread’s tenure with the band, the Commodores earned nine Grammy Award nominations, winning in 1986 for best Rhythm & Blues vocal performance – by a duo, group or chorus – for “Nightshift”.
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The musician was reported to have died after a sudden medical event. (Soraya LaPread Instagram)
After leaving the Commodores, LaPread moved to New Zealand but remained closely associated with the band’s legacy, occasionally reuniting with the band for special shows.
Appearing in the “TRUTH IN RHYTHM” YouTube series in 2022, LaPread shared that he continues to play music in his home studio every day.
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“I play some bass, some keyboards, and I sing a little bit. I do it every day because it’s my pleasure,” he said. “I love it. I believe God gave me this gift, but I’m going to use it until I can’t anymore.”
LaPread was a member of the group from 1970 to 1986. (Mike Prior/Redferns)
LaPread also expressed his hope of performing with the Commodores again, saying, “It’s always been my dream to get on stage with these guys one more time, just for fun.”
In October 2025, LaPread joined the Commodores’ current line-up, consisting of original member William King, as well as Brent Carter and Cody Orange and Colin Orange, sons of original member Walter “Clyde” Orange, for their show in Auckland.
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The Commodores later celebrated LaPread’s reveal with a post on the band’s official Instagram page. Along with a slideshow of photos, they wrote: “We had a great show in Auckland, New Zealand, the first of our 8-show Australia/New Zealand tour. So much love in the theater! Our highlight? We were joined onstage by original Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread!”
The bassist played on some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Brick House,” “Three Times A Lady” and “Easy.” (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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On Saturday, Tuskegee Mayor Chris Lee paid tribute to LaPread in a Facebook post, writing: “The City of Tuskegee mourns the passing of Ronald LaPread, legendary bassist for Tuskegee’s own Commodores and one of our community’s most distinguished native sons.”
“Ron got his musical start while attending Tuskegee Institute High School and later Tuskegee University, where he helped lay the foundations of a remarkable career that would impact music fans around the world,” Lee continued. Lee continued.
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“His talent, dedication and success brought pride to Tuskegee and inspired generations of young people who followed in his footsteps,” he added. “On behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Tuskegee, I extend our sincere condolences to the LaPread family, friends, former bandmates, and fans around the world.”
“Ronald LaPread’s music and legacy will live on for generations to come.”
After leaving the band, LaPread lived in New Zealand for 40 years. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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The Commodores recently made headlines when they announced they were pulling out of their scheduled performances during the 16-day Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
“The Commodores will not be performing at the Great American State Fair,” the band wrote on Instagram. “Our music has always been our voice, and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any political party. We support the healing of all Americans.”
