By Zoe Papadakis | Monday, June 1, 2026
Former Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread has died at the age of 75. The musician, who spent 40 years living in New Zealand, passed away Sunday following what The New Zealand Herald reported as a “sudden medical event.” An official cause of death has not been released.
According to People, LaPread was a member of The Commodores from 1970 until he left the group in 1986. During his time with the band, he contributed to their first 11 albums and helped write iconic hits including “Easy,” “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” “Still,” and “Nightshift.” The latter track earned the band a Grammy Award in 1986 for best rhythm and blues vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus.
After departing The Commodores, LaPread relocated to New Zealand to launch a solo career. His final performance with his former bandmates occurred recently during an October 2025 stage appearance in New Zealand.
The Commodores paid tribute on Instagram, stating: “Today we mourn the loss of our brother, friend, and original bassist, Ronald LaPread. 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.”
The tribute continued: “We were grateful to perform with him again last fall in New Zealand. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Farrah, his children Ronald Jr. and Soraya, and all who loved him. ‘His legacy lives on through the music he helped create and the countless people he inspired,’ the band concluded. ‘Rest easy, Ronald. You will always be a Commodore.'”
Former lead vocalist Lionel Richie also remembered LaPread on Instagram by sharing lyrics from the band’s hit song “Zoom,” writing: “Pread, you will be missed my dear brother. What a ride!”
LaPread’s daughter, Soraya, initially confirmed her father’s death on her Instagram Story, stating: “It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my father Ronald LaPread has passed.” In a subsequent update, she shared: “We were the best daddy daughter duo. If you know me, you know my Dad. I am devastated. A piece of me is gone from this world.”
Soraya added: “I have never felt a pain so deep in my life. It’s because he loved me so unconditionally and so deeply that the loss is indescribable.” She concluded with: “Please pray for my Dad to be in the highest heaven… Do as he did and be kind to each other.”
In his final weeks, LaPread shared a video on Instagram reflecting on celebrity life, citing the Jackson 5’s rapid rise to fame. He remarked: “It’s good to be remembered, but you must also know that these people are human, and they are fallible. They make mistakes, they get sick, they die, they get hooked on drugs. You will get into a fictitious life that’s not the real one. It’s not the real one.”
