Music legend and “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie is mourning the death of Ronald LaPread, the bassist who co-founded the iconic R&B group The Commodores with him. On May 30, 2026, LaPread’s daughter Soraya announced via social media that her dad had passed away at age 75, revealing she was “devastated” by his passing.
Late on May 31, Richie, 76, posted a black and white photo of he and LaPread together during The Commodores’ heyday, and wrote, “Pread, You will be missed my dear brother. What a ride!”
Fans & Famous Friends Honor Ronald LaPread
The Commodores paid tribute to LaPread with a social media post, writing in part, “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. We were grateful to perform with him again last fall in New Zealand.”
Many fans and friends have paid tribute to the talented bassist, including veteran R&B singer Brent Carter, who recently stepped in as the Commodores’ co-lead singer, per Soul Tracks. He commented on the group’s tribute, “I spoke with him 3 days ago. Last thing he said to me was “I’ll always be a Commodore” ❤️❤️❤️”
Among the many fans remembering LaPread, one wrote, “RONALD LAPREAD BASS INTRO TO “BRICK HOUSE” IS THEE GREATEST BASS INTRO OF ALLLLLLLL TIME….PROVE ME WRONG!!! 🎸 📻 🎶”
Inside the Heartbreaking Inspiration Behind Lionel Richie & Ronald LaPread’s Song ‘Zoom’
Richie then shared the lyrics to “ZOOM,” which he and LaPread wrote together. Released in 1977, it became one of the Commodores’ best-known songs.
The lyrics take on new meaning after LaPread’s death, including the chorus, “Oh, zoom / I’d like to fly far away from here / Where my mind can be fresh and clear / And I’ll find the love that I long to see / People can be what they wanna be”
LaPread detailed the heartbreaking inspiration behind “Zoom” in the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song,” which was reprinted online by Soul Tracks. The musician revealed that the idea for “Zoom” came to him after his wife Cathy was diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 23 while the Commodores were on tour.
After playing two nights at Madison Square Garden, he wrote that he raced to Cathy’s bedside and began writing “Zoom” while she slept. The first words that came to him were: “I may be just a foolish dreamer but I don’t care |
‘Cause I know my happiness is waiting out there somewhere.”
It was too hard for LaPread to complete the song while caring for Cathy, he wrote, so Richie took over the songwriting. LaPread wrote, “I told Richie that I couldn’t focus on it so he finished the words and recorded the lead vocal. He captured everything I was feeling. It was very quiet in the studio when they played it for me. When the song finished, everyone was crying. They knew where it came from.”
“Zoom” was released after Cathy’s death in April 1977 as part of the Commodores’ fifth, self-titled album. According to uDiscover Music, it became their first Top 10 album. LaPread remained with the Commodores through 11 albums, leaving in 1986 to pursue a solo career.
