Ronald LaPread, Commodores' co-founder and bassist, dies at 75

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Ronald LaPread, a co-founder and former bassist of the funk and soul group the Commodores, has died.He was 75.“It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my father Ronald LaPread has passed,” LaPread’s daughter Soraya LaPread shared on her Instagram story.

“If you know me you know my dad.I am devastated.

A piece of me is gone from this world.”Soraya did not share details about her father’s death, but the New Zealand Herald reported that the longtime resident died of a “sudden medical event.” The Commodores took to Instagram to share their condolences, writing that LaPread “will always be a Commodore.”“Ronald was a phenomenal musician, an accomplished songwriter and a vital part of the Commodores’ sound and success.His contributions to our music and his friendship enriched our lives beyond measure.

We were grateful to perform with him again last fall in New Zealand,” the Commodores shared on Instagram.“His legacy lives on through the music he helped create and the countless people he inspired.”LaPread began playing with the Commodores in 1970 alongside Lionel Richie, William “WAK” King, Milan Williams and Thomas McClary while they were students at Tuskegee Institute.

The band initially played shows around campus, performing covers and a handful of original songs.Entertainment & Arts Their manager Benny Ashburn spent his summer organizing shows for the Commodores on Martha’s Vineyard to test-market the band.

In 1971, the group opened for the Jackson 5, helping them gain national exposure and leading them to sign with Motown Records in 1972.The band released their debut album, “Machine Gun,” in 1974 and reached No.

22 on the Billboard Hot 100.They released a quick succession of albums — “Caught in the Act,” “Movin’ On” and “Hot on the Tracks” — catapulting the band to mainstream success.

LaPread playe...