LaPread’s superb bass work was an essential ingredient of the Commodores’ powerful southern-fried funk. He brought his gutbucket extra-funky bass-playing to groove burners like “Gimme My Mule,” "Slippery When Wet,” “Funky Situation,” “Brick House,” “Thumpin’ Music,” and "Fancy Dancer." And he had a smooth, deft touch on the band’s soulful ballads. He also contributed to the songwriting of many of the band’s tracks. He was the sole songwriter of “Look What You’ve Done To Me,” “Gimme My Mule,” and “Lovin’ You.” Some of his co-writing credits included “Brick House,” Zoom,” “Fancy Dancer,” “I Feel Sanctified,” and “Too Hot Ta Trot.” Also, LaPread and his fellow bandmates were exciting live performers, thrilling audiences with their great talent and dynamic stage presence.
Shortly after the news of LaPread’s passing, the Commodores shared a tribute to him on their official website:
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.
And Lionel Richie wrote on his Instagram page, “Pread, You will be missed, my dear brother. What a ride!”
Ronald LaPread was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on September 4, 1950. At a young age, he developed a lifelong love of music and began playing drums in his high school band at 14. He soon expanded his musical skills to brass and wind instruments. And by his senior year, he became the first chair of all the school’s brass sections. After graduating from high school, LaPread enrolled at the historically black college, the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), and soon became a member of a student campus band called the Jays. The Commodores’ formation resulted from a merger between the Jays and another student campus band named the Mystics. The band was officially formed in 1968.
The founding members of the newly formed band were Lionel Richie (vocals, saxophone, keyboards), Walter "Clyde" Orange (vocals, drums, percussion), Thomas McClary (lead guitar, vocals), Ronald LaPread (bass, vocals), Milan Williams (keyboards, rhythm guitar), and William “WAK” King (trumpet, rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals). However, there was one snag: LaPread had never played the bass before. When they approached him about joining the band as their bassist, he lied and said, “He was the best bassist in town.” He quickly learned the bass to secure his spot in the band. LaPread eventually grew into an expert on the instrument, becoming the backbone of the Commodores’ gritty funk sound. The six founding members would remain the band’s lineup until Richie left the band in 1982 to embark on a highly successful solo career.
LaPread was a member of the Commodores until 1986, playing on 11 of their albums. Following his departure from the band in 1986, he relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, which would remain his home until his passing. Following his move to New Zealand, music continued to be a big part of his life. He became an integral part of Auckland’s local music community, working as an educator, musician, and television personality. He also mentored up-and-coming music artists, even opening his home recording studio to them. Additionally, LaPread served as the leader and musical director of the eight-piece house band on the popular New Zealand television show Mike King Tonight. He composed the official theme song for the country’s defense of the prestigious America's Cup yacht race. And he occasionally reunited with his former bandmates for special live performances, including a final concert in New Zealand in October 2025, where he gave an emotional, heartfelt speech thanking the audience, his bandmates, and New Zealand fans for their love. The concert fulfilled his long-held dream of one day performing onstage with his former bandmates again.
"Gimme My Mule"
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