The music community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure following the news that Fred Alexander, a longtime member of the funk legends Lakeside, has passed away. His death was confirmed on Sunday by his bandmate, Stephen Shockley, who paid a heartfelt tribute to the musician's enduring legacy.
Alexander was widely recognized as the heartbeat of the group, providing the essential percussion that defined the band's signature sound. Beyond his musical contributions, he served as the administrator for the organization, a role that saw him navigating the complexities of the music industry to ensure the band's continued success.
In a touching statement, Stephen Shockley reflected on their nearly five-decade friendship and professional partnership. "The little General... The Backbone to all of our Records with his lock down drum playing," Shockley wrote. "He kept us working after all seemed lost some twelve years ago. He made sure that our taxes were paid, he kept our trademark consistent and up to date, and he loved doing the job. But most of all, he was a brother."
