The Commodores' co-founder and former bassist Ronald LaPread has died.He was 75.On Saturday, LaPread's daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, confirmed her father's death on social media."It is with very heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed," Soraya wrote on a post shared to her Instagram Story.
Soraya also uploaded a photo of herself embracing LaPread.The 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 provided.
However, the NZHerald reported on Saturday that LaPread died following a "sudden medical event" in Auckland, New Zealand.According to the outlet, LaPread had lived in Auckland for 40 years prior to his death.LIONEL RICHIE CALLS EXPLOSIVE MARRIAGE-ENDING FIGHT THE 'SCANDAL OF MY CENTURY' IN NEW TELL-ALL BOOKLaPread co-founded the Commodores with Lionel Richie, Walter "Clyde" Orange, Thomas McClary, William King, Milan Williams after they met as students at the Tuskegee Institute, which later became known as Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee, Alabama.LaPread's daughter, Soraya LaPread, announced his death on Instagram Saturday.
(Soraya LaPread Instagram)In 1971, the Commodores were selected to open for the Jackson 5, a major break that helped them gain national exposure.The funk, soul and R&B band signed with Motown in 1972 and released their debut studio album "Machine Gun" in 1974.SLY STONE, FRONTMAN OF SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, DEAD AT 82LaPread 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 group's biggest hits including "Machine Gun," "Brick House," "Easy," "Three Times a Lady," "Sail On," "Still" and "Nightshift."KOOL & THE GANG'S MICHAEL SUMLER DEAD AT 71 AFTER FATAL CAR CRASHDuring LaPread's tenure with the band, the Commodores earned nine Grammy Award nominations, winning in 1986 for b...