Commodores Founder Ronald LaPread Dies at 75

Ronald LaPread, the Grammy-winning founding member of the legendary funk band Commodores, has reportedly died at age 75.

LaPread's daughter Soraya LaPread announced the loss to her Instagram followers on Saturday, writing: 'It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed.' 

The New Zealand Herald reports LaPread died in Auckland after a 'sudden medical event.' 

From 1970 to 1986, LaPread served as the group's bassist and contributed to their widely-successful songs Brick House, Three Times A Lady, and Easy. 

The Daily Mail has contacted Soraya and the Commodores for comment but has not yet heard back.