Ronald LaPread, the bass player and co-founding member of The Commodores, has died at the age of 75 in Auckland.
His daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, confirmed his death on social media today.
The Herald understands he died following a sudden medical event.
LaPread, who spent the last 40 years living in New Zealand, was an Alabama native who helped form the legendary R&B group in the 1970s.
He laid down the basslines for massive hits like Brick House and Easy.
He left the band in 1986 and emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand, after falling in love with a Kiwi woman, Farideh, he met on a flight between Australia and New Zealand.
Newstalk ZB host and personal friend of LaPread Tim Roxborogh said he was shocked by his death.
“He just always looked so good and so healthy.”
“He loved New Zealand. He found a connection in the New Zealand music scene; he was often found in Auckland bars and in the music scene because he loved giving back so much.
“And if you’re lucky enough to get to know him, then you are blessed to know a guy who’s just so wonderful and so generous with his time.”
LaPread went on to reunite with The Commodores and Lionel Richie when they toured to New Zealand in recent years, including last year at Spark Arena.
He attended the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards on Thursday night.