Ronald LaPread Dies: Former Commodores Bassist Was 75
Ronald LaPread, the former bassist of the Commodores, has died. He was 75. On Saturday, Ronald’s daughter Soraya LaPread announced that her father died with a statement on her Instagram Story. The ca…
Ronald LaPread, the former bassist of the Commodores, has died. He was 75. On Saturday, Ronald’s daughter Soraya LaPread announced that her father die
Read Full Story at Deadline Hollywood →Why This Matters
The passing of Ronald LaPread marks the end of an era in soul and R&B music, a genre that shaped the cultural soundtrack of multiple generations. As a founding member of the Commodores, his bass lines became the backbone of hits that defined Motown’s golden age, influencing everything from hip-hop sampling to modern funk revivalism.
Background Context
LaPread co-founded the Commodores in 1968 alongside Lionel Richie, quickly becoming a key architect of their signature groove-heavy sound. The band’s transition from funk instrumentals to mainstream pop ballads in the 1970s paralleled Motown’s shift toward crossover appeal, with LaPread’s playing anchoring classics like "Brick House" and "Three Times a Lady."
What Happens Next
While the Commodores’ legacy is secure, LaPread’s absence may prompt renewed discussions about the underrecognized contributions of session musicians in shaping commercially successful acts. His passing also raises questions about the preservation of Motown’s archival recordings, which often rely on the personal collections of veterans like him.
Bigger Picture
LaPread’s death reflects a broader generational reckoning with the fading ranks of Motown’s original architects, whose innovations continue to ripple through contemporary music. It also underscores the eroding institutional memory of soul music’s golden age, a concern as streaming platforms prioritize algorithmic discovery over legacy acts.
