Bassist and Songwriter for the Commodores
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Remembering those we recently lost
Key moments and achievements from Ronald LaPread's life.
Ronald was born
· Auckland, New Zealand
Personal
Raised in a musically rich environment, LaPread became deeply involved in his community during the Civil Rights Movement. He marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an experience that shaped his grounded and steady character. These formative years in Alabama provided the social and musical foundation for his future career.
Personal
Raised in a musically rich environment, LaPread became deeply involved in his community during the Civil Rights Movement. He marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an experience that shaped his grounded and steady character. These formative years in Alabama provided the social and musical foundation for his future career.
Career
LaPread joined the Commodores in 1970, completing the classic lineup that would soon achieve global fame. The group signed with Motown Records and began their ascent as one of the premier funk and soul acts of the decade. In 1971, they gained significant national exposure as the opening act for the Jackson 5.
Career
LaPread joined the Commodores in 1970, completing the classic lineup that would soon achieve global fame. The group signed with Motown Records and began their ascent as one of the premier funk and soul acts of the decade. In 1971, they gained significant national exposure as the opening act for the Jackson 5.
Career
During the band's most successful era, LaPread created the iconic bass line for the hit Brick House. He also co-wrote the enduring ballad Zoom, which became one of the band's most beloved tracks. This period established him as a master of both high-energy funk and soulful, emotional songwriting.
Career
During the band's most successful era, LaPread created the iconic bass line for the hit Brick House. He also co-wrote the enduring ballad Zoom, which became one of the band's most beloved tracks. This period established him as a master of both high-energy funk and soulful, emotional songwriting.
Personal
LaPread's first wife, Cathy, passed away after a battle with cancer. Her illness had been the primary emotional inspiration behind the song Zoom, which they had worked on together while she was sick. This loss marked a significant turning point in his personal life and emotional depth as an artist.
Personal
LaPread's first wife, Cathy, passed away after a battle with cancer. Her illness had been the primary emotional inspiration behind the song Zoom, which they had worked on together while she was sick. This loss marked a significant turning point in his personal life and emotional depth as an artist.
Personal
LaPread left the Commodores and moved to Auckland after falling in love with his wife, Farideh. This move initiated a new chapter where he became a vital producer and mentor in the local music scene. He notably worked with the reggae band Herbs on their album Sensitive to a Smile.
Personal
LaPread left the Commodores and moved to Auckland after falling in love with his wife, Farideh. This move initiated a new chapter where he became a vital producer and mentor in the local music scene. He notably worked with the reggae band Herbs on their album Sensitive to a Smile.
Award
LaPread was officially recognized for his contributions to music history with an induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He received this honor as a member of the Commodores, celebrating their collective impact on the Motown sound. The induction served as a permanent tribute to his legacy in his home state.
Award
LaPread was officially recognized for his contributions to music history with an induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He received this honor as a member of the Commodores, celebrating their collective impact on the Motown sound. The induction served as a permanent tribute to his legacy in his home state.
Public Appearance
Just days before his passing, LaPread made a final public appearance at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards. The event allowed the music community to celebrate his long career and his contributions to both American and New Zealand music. It was a final moment of recognition for a man who served as a rhythmic anchor for over half a century.
Public Appearance
Just days before his passing, LaPread made a final public appearance at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards. The event allowed the music community to celebrate his long career and his contributions to both American and New Zealand music. It was a final moment of recognition for a man who served as a rhythmic anchor for over half a century.
Ronald LaPread passed away
