Co-Founder, Bassist and Songwriter Ronald La Pread of the Pop/Funk group, The Commodores has passed away at 75. He was with the group at their inception and remained with them until 1986.

He was with the group during their heavy “Funk Period” co-writing or writing the songs, “Brick House, Fancy Dancer,  I Feel Sanctified”, and others.

LaPread left the group to tend to his ailing wife who eventually succumbed to Cancer.

After that La Pread moved to New Zealand to raise his family, but still dabbled in the music industry.

He also appeared in the Films,” Tropic Thunder  Gone  In 60 Seconds  and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Mr. LaPread passed on May 30th 2026 after suffering a sudden medical event according to his Daughter on a Social Media post..

Thanks for the Music and Memories Mr. LaPread. Rest in Power.