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Ronald LaPread, the former bass player for the American soul band The Commodores, has died in Auckland at the age of 75.

RNZ Digital reports

LaPread spent the last 40 years of his life living in New Zealand after falling in love with a Kiwi woman, Farideh, on a flight from Sydney to Auckland.

His daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, confirmed the news on social media on Sunday.

"It's with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my father Ronald LaPread has passed," she said on Instagram.

LaPread was renowned for his bass lines on classic hits including 'Brick House', 'Three Times a Lady' and 'Easy', performing alongside well-known musicians including Lionel Richie.

The Alabama native was a member of the group from 1970 to 1986 and played on 11 of its albums.

LaPread later reunited with The Commodores and Lionel Richie when they toured New Zealand in recent years, including a performance at Spark Arena last year.

He attended the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards on Thursday night.

LaPread is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter Soraya.

to the legendary Foster Sylvers (of the family group, The Sylvers)

Foster Emerson Sylvers was an American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist best known as a member of The Sylvers and for his classic solo hit “Misdemeanor.” Born on February 25, 1962, Foster became a star at an early age and helped shape the sound of 1970s R&B, soul, funk, and disco.

His 1973 hit “Misdemeanor,” written by his brother Leon Sylvers III, reached No. 7 on the R&B charts and later became one of the most sampled records in hip-hop history, influencing generations of producers and DJs.

Foster later joined The Sylvers officially, contributing vocals and musicianship to timeless hits including “Boogie Fever,” which became a No. 1 record and helped define an era of soul and disco music. Beyond performing, he worked behind the scenes producing and collaborating with artists across R&B throughout the 1980s and beyond.

For DJs, crate diggers, producers, and music lovers, Foster Sylvers’ legacy extends far beyond one record. His sound became part of the DNA of hip-hop, R&B, and sample culture.

Rest in peace to a true musical pioneer.