"TRUTH IN RHYTHM" - Ronald LaPread (Commodores), Part 1 of 2

[@WhizMitchell]

Wow, Ronald still looks almost the same from the 70s, he looks really good! Most people in the music business get run down and look bad after some decades... Nice to see he's doing well...he is a legend!

[@styner3]

I met him in the Montgomery AL airport in the early 80's, I was a young gigging bass player and he gave me some helpful advice on playing and being in a band. So glad to see he's doing great.

[@tedreynolds6363]

To this day, I WISH the original lineup was still together. Ronald, Walter (Clyde), Thomas, William, Milan (rip) and of course Lionel! And Ronald never gets the credit he deserves, dude could flat out play the heck on the bass guitar. REALLY really listen and you'll see what I talking about. And his tones were out of sight! Thanks for posting these interviews of him. And I'll never forget reading in the SEVENTIES that every member was already a millionaire and this was the mid 70's. Good for them!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikeatkinson2836]

I was Pread's bass tech in 1985 for a year! When I would hand him his bass during the show and help him thread his strap under and thru his jacket, he would try to dance with me! Used to piss me off but we all laughed and had fun! When we first started the Nightshift tour, he was very intimidating and threatened to burn the bass amp if we didn't get him an Acoustic 371 amp! Later he turned out to be the Commodore I was closest with- such a nice guy!

[@FunknstuffNet]

Cool stories, thank you for sharing.

[@markginsel4238]

Good GOD, Ronald just picks up bass and goes "OK reckon I'll play this instrument" and becomes an idol to so many of us bass players. Wow. Just...WOW.

[@MisterV619]

That island life must be the fountain of youth because Ronald is looking great. Great interview!

[@njaukmambo]

To hear Ronald say that "Why you wanna try me is one of his all time favourite Commodore songs gave me goose bumps. It's one of mine as well. Followed closely by "This Is Your Life" and the live version of "Sweet love" recorded in Atlanta Georgia. Thankyou Commodores for giving this young man from Kenya all the way in East Africa the best music of his life. I'm now 65 and still listen to the original Commodores music.

[@251to502]

That is one of my favorites! He killed that bassline.

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

If you ever heard the isolated bass on Brick House, you know how vicious Ronald LaPread is on bass. He's in my top 10 bassists & doesn't get NEAR enough credit.

[@warrencox7852]

I STILL can’t play it right! There’s so much nuance to that line it ain’t funny.

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

@@warrencox7852 me neither

[@dreaming4musik]

Before The Commodores he never even touched a bass. That is how talented Mr. LaPread is!!!!!!

[@251to502]

I have to wonder how he put that bassline together. It was beyond dope.

[@joshua2k526]

I know

[@adrianlyord5300]

The Commodores are definitely one the greatest music groups ever! Great interview with Ronald , and thanks again Scott for interviewing great artists like this! Keep the Funk Flowing !

[@tedjonesauthor269]

Florida A&M home coming back in the day! I the pleasure of meeting this amazing gentleman after an incredibly awesome concert!

[@traceydrummond-px-453]

My mum loved The Commodores when I was growing up in Mt Roskill! And I love them too. This is a really good interview. Thank you!

[@chillywillie6283]

I’m now 65 years old and I love these musical history lessons that I lived as a youngster growing up in Mississippi. I just bought both a bass and lead guitar from Amazon to learn to play from all the tutorials available on KZbin.

[@FunknstuffNet]

Right on, never too old!

[@_.Marz._]

Ayyyy....Ronald was my old landlord in New Zealand. He is the sweetest.

[@edennard1]

Ronald just got “stupid nasty on the Heroes album .. he brining some sauce on the track “ Sorry to say “

[@sevinatenine4444]

IF YOU ACTUALLY TOOK THE WHOLE 53 MINUTES AND 49 SECONDS OUT OF YOUR DAY AND WATCHED THE ENTIRE VIDEO AND WATCHED THE ENTIRE SECOND PART ALSO,YOU LIKE ME ARE LEGEND AND REALLY LOVE THESE OLD SKOOL MUSICIANS AND SINGERS IN THEIR UP TO DATE NOW LIVES REMEMBERING ALL THESE GREAT MOMENTS FROM THE PAST.I'M 58 NOW AND I ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING NEW WATCHING THESE KINDS OF VIDEOS.GOD BLESS YOU RONALD LaPREAD.👍👍👍

[@kennylee8100]

Straight up! I recently watched an interview (from this YT channel) of two of the members of Brass Construction and learned that "Movin" was an original 20-minute song before they cut it to 8 minutes. Wow!

[@honeylove7678]

I remember the Commodores opened for the Jackson5 when I left the concert I didn't have a voice!!! Then when Brick House came out that was the anthem for the ladies and then Brick house (live) was released which had a funkier beat, so the clubs started pumpin' the live version. " Aww Brick House!" Nothing can replace those days.🎤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@timothylawson3262]

Yes do you remember the Miss Brick house contest?.

[@honeylove7678]

@@timothylawson3262 Yes I do! Aww Brick House!

[@MusicLoverPearson]

They had other big hits before Brick house as well

[@honeylove7678]

@Muzik Michael I'm aware Commodores were the headliners when Brick House came out.

[@honeylove7678]

@@MusicLoverPearson You don't say!

[@tallielance78]

So glad; ecstatic to see / hear him. Saw them in NC as a child. ALWAYS LOVED HIM.❤

[@deecry8087]

I can listen to this cat ALL day! Absolutely Loved hearing about all the different experiences!

[@AaronDavey-doughboy]

Ron, what an inspiration. The Commodores live album first grabbed me as a kid but the In The Pocket album became a special album for me. Why You Wanna Try Me is my fave of all songs of the Commodores. I was a teen in love with a girl. I loved her but she did dumb things lol this song came along lol fitted the situation. She would try me some what. But th emotion of it a long with the funk. Thanks man

[@memphisbass2]

Very nice interview. Glad I found you. Love the Commodores! and Ron LaPread

[@charlenewilliams3653]

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Mr. Le Pread in person. I am from Pittsburgh, Pa. and in the late 70’s, I worked at the Civic Arena where all the Major concerts took place. But moreover, I was had access to the arrival and accommodations of so many popular groups during that time. The Commodore’s was only one amongst hundreds. Anyway, Ronald La Pread met me with rollers in my hair in a Limo coming from the Pittsburgh airport to the Hilton Hotel. He said he liked me because I reminded him of being at home. I didn’t know at that time (what that meant), that he was from the South and I acted so much like the girls down home, I was then a 16 year old who was supposed to be a professional tourist guide. “Those were the days”. He looks great for his age, as I am (???) years old now and he is in his 70’s. I just wish I had contact information for him. As, I know of a very talented potential singing star that he may seriously consider producing her music, or at least lead her in the right direction. As, he may consider passing on his blessings.

[@FunknstuffNet]

Thank you for sharing 😀

[@mrmaxxx94]

Great interview, insight and the Commodores were one of the baddest bands ever, Ronald is the truth, Great interview,respect

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

Ron CLOWNED on This Is Your Life, Midnight Magic, Zoom, Wonderland....

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

Wow, I started playing bass like that too. I played drums. My best friend had a gig & no bassist. He borrowed a bass & showed me how to learn songs.

[@joechiato5278]

In Auckland, New Zealand in the 70's we loved the Commodores, I never knew Ronald lived in New Zealand . Amazing

[@rickb1266]

We love ya Ronald!

[@rubyredd6366]

Excellent story teller, wonderful treasured and fond memories which transcended us on their fantastic voyage, on how their name was born, and so many incredible concerts and great times! The Commodores music is timeless! First time watcher! Thank you! 💜

[@FunknstuffNet]

Welcome, Ruby, glad you enjoyed 😃

[@chillywillie6283]

His story about opening for the Jackson Five matches up perfectly with the story told in an interview by Suzanne De Passé that l heard about four months ago. This interview is 100% solid gold.

[@SigmaSounds3418]

His explanation of hip hop production was masterful.

[@jayskywalker5049]

I had the pleasure as a little child seeing the commodores open up for the Jackson 5 in Detroit Mi I believe it was at the Olympia stadium

[@nickyfarrell3024]

Great interview Dr GX. You kept it interesting. You asked the right questions. I’ve learned so much about The Commodores. Ronald is a very humble man. He is also a great. story teller. Keep these interviews coming. Many Blessings to both of you.🙏🏾

[@styner3]

The first bass line I ever learned was the one in "Brick House", good to see Mr. LaPread is doing good.

[@tmoe1499]

I'm glad Ron is doing well I wondering was he alive an well now I know.

[@joshua2k526]

Yeah the 70's were fun..I wish I around I'm those times

[@bobtreiber8556]

Great interview. Had privilege to meet and hear Commodore's in the 80's at MGM in Reno. Great band, great music.

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Ron LaPread, one of my al time favorite bassists. Great interview. On the Motown Museum tour they claim Machine Gun was the last tune recorded at the Detroit studio, before it closed.

[@forensicaccountant259]

Love the bass work on "Lovin' You" from the Midnight Magic LP.

[@RobertHarperBass]

Another one of my bass idols growing up, great interview!

[@RadzyyahMuhammad1786]

Wow! Home-boy it is so awesome to see you after such a long time. (I know you don't remember me...rhythm guitarist for The Symphonics. I borrowed your maps for a gig at the back Gorrest...a d they were stolen. Thanks for the support, Sandra Thomas!

[@pistolCrockett]

I Love this....Thanks for making this available.

[@anthemmakersmusic]

That's amazing! You just went in and did it without knowing that's just incredible.

[@BartFunkBass]

He has not aged at all!

[@styner3]

I met him in 1982 and you're right, he looks the same.

[@pbenson56fran]

Very enjoyable of stuff I never heard. I did not know how the Commodores got started. I love the band just loved them. Great interview because I never knew what happened to Ronald.

[@Dee9158]

One of the Best bass players ever!!!

[@Realmusiclover1957]

I like your opening theme. Pure funk.

[@IosifStalin2]

Funky bass.........................What a great pleasure to listen to LaPread!

[@jamesgraham3116]

Funny Feelings, Free, Girl I think the world about you, Say Yes!

[@joshua2k526]

If y'all ever heard call this is your life by the commodores Mr.Ronald Lapread killed on the bass the whole song!!..check the song out it's on the caught in the act album

[@FunknstuffNet]

Love it, good choice! 👍

[@jaywalters5255]

Beautiful interview by the way.

[@PTFI]

Awesome interview!

[@todmatthew8816]

This was a Great Interview

[@SWOOP_68]

Great interview!!! 👍🏾

[@tyreewagner3056]

I was at that show in Des Moines IA

[@anthonyblankenship4381]

YOU WERE IN THE RIGHT SPOT ,HELL OF A BASS PLAYER

[@byronjones9299]

Ronald LePread Co - wrote some of The Greatest Songs in The History of The Commodore's era.

[@jaywalters5255]

Wow 25:43 mark...wonder what Larry Graham would say, respectfully of course?

[@keithwitcher5130]

Nice interview with Ronald LaPread of music group The Commodores. Why did Ronald leave america to move to New Zealand? I would never leave america LOL. Why did Ronald leave The Commodores after Nightshift album? My favorite Commodores albums are The Commodores(this album has Squeeze The Fruit, Zoom, Easy songs), Midnight Magic. I like The Commodores.

[@thenickman26]

Better go and see other parts of the world and find out for yourself.. you might see need things

[@keithwitcher5130]

@@thenickman26 I'm not ever going to foreign countries LOL. America is best place to live. I love my hometown Cleveland, Ohio. I live in Maryland. Ronald should've never moved from america. Ronald, Robert Kool Bell of Kool And The Gang, Jesse Johnson of The Time, Marvin Isley of Isley Brothers(RIP), Verdine White of Earth Wind And Fire are the best guitar players.

[@cherylharewood2549]

@@keithwitcher5130 true words. Why did he leave the USA?

[@keithwitcher5130]

@@cherylharewood2549 That's a good question. I don't know why Ronald LaPread left america. Maybe Ronald LaPread talked about that in this interview.

[@jamesvioleen]

yeeeeahh! Why you wanna try me , also my favorite

[@joegablemusic1]

amazing (amazing)

[@wblk]

They should have flimed that concert The Jackson 5 The Osmond Bro. The Commodores

[@rubinmaulden3841]

Always wondered what happened to Ronald except I heard he had moved to New Zealand somewhere

[@anthemmakersmusic]

Very cool go Ala Bama, Birmingham, Opelika, and Mobile

[@jayskywalker5049]

Pam Sawyer is my auntie by marriage she married my uncle Darryl Robert's whos also a writer as well penning Anita Bakers same Ole love

[@MzJanuary]

Really enjoyed this! When will the second half be available?

[@FunknstuffNet]

Tomorrow, 7 pm Eastern

[@MzJanuary]

@@FunknstuffNet thank you

[@janjordan-bonner9050]

Wow! I really do miss the original Commodores. I began seeing them perform when they would come to a club in Birmingham, Alabama.Great interview.

[@pistolCrockett]

How did Walter Orange become the lead singer on Brick House?

[@MzJanuary]

That's easy. The song started out as an impromptu jam session that was an instrumental called Matchbox. But when it came time to vote on the songs that would go on the album, most of the guys selected not to include it. Clyde Orange loved it and thought it had a great groove so he took the song home for the Christmas holidays to work on it. He, William King, and King's wife came up with some lyrics for the song and thought it sounded great so he resubmitted the demo for consideration by the group. Clyde sang all the lead and background vocals and let their arranger and co-producer, James Carmichael, hear it. Carmichael loved it and let the other group members hear it...they voted to put the song on the album and the rest is history.

[@riverlife2379]

COMMODORES SAW THE AT CELLAR RESTAURANT NYC... BUT THEY WERE STOMPING BIG TIME ARENA ALABAMA BRICK HOUSE BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN... LADIES WERE STEPPING!!! SHAKING!!! AND STOMPING!!! jb

[@dreaming4musik]

Can you find out the name and brand of the cymbals Mr. Orange used on their live 1977 Album? Thank you.

[@samcockrell]

Hey Scott I would love to hear your thoughts on my music/blues soul funk etc.. sam Cockrell out of Chicago

[@FunknstuffNet]

Send me a link.

[@jayskywalker5049]

He reminds me of Marvin Gaye in his later years

[@DwightBraxton-k1r]

I need that pleasure joint

[@fredsanke4070]

Is he from the Commodores fame???

[@maeb8127]

👍🏼Iowa 💓

[@richardpayton9671]

Like this interview. Ronald is a great story teller. Just a slight criticism- I wish the interviewer had a little more energy. When Ronald told the hilarious story about Thomas’ pants catching fire a 30:41, the interviewer barely chuckles. I mean, I like when an interviewer stays out of the way versus overtalking, but this was a little too low key. Still, I enjoyed Ronald’s backstories.

[@FunknstuffNet]

Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for the constructive criticism!

[@sandrapope7850]

Ronald, Do you still love the waitress you met in Atlanta in 1972 and will you come to Atlanta again and marry me ( this time ) ? at the Mercedes- Benz stadium when the Atlanta Falcons win the Superbowl at the half time show.

[@princejamesorionsiriusstar7596]

Yep

[@shagw4286]

Many musicians have made great contributions to many hits, but don't receive any writing credit.

[@jayskywalker5049]

FANCY DANCER IS FUNKY

[@lorettabyrd1492]

I had a crush on him

[@anthemmakersmusic]

And Chambers

[@aaronaustin6241]

Billy (bass) Nelson played bass on Brick House track

[@FunknstuffNet]

The controversy continues 😲

[@garingersportsnetwork]

He picked up a new accent.

[@AllanCash]

I noticed that too

[@november1ist]

The Commodores opened for Teddy Pendergrass in the late 70's

[@marvinwhittaker1760]

I thought he was dead!!

[@cherylharewood2549]

@Marvin Whitaker me too. However, when was this interview actually done?

[@jazzmaster9426]

Get on with the interview

[@charlescarr2869]

Great interview 👍🏾

[@Mindbodyandspirit240]

Great interview!