Ronald LaPread 1949-2076, Original Member of the GRAMMY winning Commodores
Ronald LaPread, acclaimed musician, songwriter, singer, producer, and original bass guitarist of the legendary Commodores, passed away on Saturday at the age of 76 after a brief illness, surrounded by his family New Zealand where he has been residing.
As a founding member of one of the most successful and influential groups in popular and R&B music history, LaPread helped shape the unmistakable sound of the Commodores during a remarkable era that saw the group sell more than 70 million records worldwide. His contributions as a bassist, songwriter, and performer were instrumental in the band’s rise from college musicians in Tuskegee, Alabama, to international superstardom.
Among the many milestones achieved during his tenure with the Commodores was the group’s Grammy Award win in 1986 for the iconic hit “Nightshift,” a heartfelt tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. The song remains one of the group’s most celebrated recordings and a lasting testament to their musical legacy.
Born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, LaPread developed his passion for music in the church, where he sang in choirs and local vocal groups. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he mastered not only bass guitar but also piano, organ, brass, and wind instruments. His extraordinary musical abilities led to his recruitment by fellow Tuskegee students Lionel Richie and Thomas McClary, joining the group that would become the Commodores.
Beyond his talents as a performer, LaPread was a prolific and accomplished songwriter. He co-wrote some of the Commodores’ most enduring hits, including “I Feel Sanctified” (1974), “Slippery When Wet” (1975), “Brick House” (1977), and “Too Hot ta Trot” (1977)—songs that helped define the sound of 1970s funk and R&B and continues to influence artists and fans across generations.
His songwriting legacy extended far beyond the Commodores. Over the course of his career, LaPread’s work was recorded, sampled, and reimagined by artists spanning multiple genres, including The Sugarhill Gang, Jennifer Lopez, Tamia, and Pop Smoke. He produced acts such as Seventh Wonder, Platinum Hook and others. His compositions have remained culturally relevant for decades, contributing to countless recordings and performances worldwide.
Throughout his distinguished career, LaPread earned recognition not only for commercial success but also for his enduring influence on American music. The Commodores’ catalog generated multiple gold, platinum, and multi-platinum recordings, while their songs became staples of radio, film, television, and live performance. As both a musician and songwriter, LaPread helped create a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.
In the late 1980s, LaPread relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, where he made his home for the remainder of his life. There, he continued writing, producing, mentoring musicians, and pursuing his lifelong love of golf. Friends and colleagues remember him as a humble, generous artist and friend with a great sense of humor whose passion for music never faded.
“Ronald’s talent, creativity, and spirit left an indelible mark on the music world,” “His contributions to the Commodores and to generations of artists will continue to inspire musicians and fans for years to come.”
Ronald LaPread, Sr. is survived by his beloved wife, Farideh LaPread, and his children, Ronald LaPread Jr., Soraya LaPread and Mark.
