*The funk world is mourning the loss of Fred Alexander, the longtime drummer for Lakeside, whose steady musicianship and leadership helped sustain one of R&B’s most beloved groups for nearly half a century.
News of Alexander’s passing was shared by Lakeside co-founder Stephen Shockley, who posted an emotional tribute reflecting on 49 years of friendship, music and brotherhood.
“Today is a Very Sad Day for our band Lakeside because we lost Fred Alexander… The little General… The Backbone to all of our Records with his lock down drum playing,” Shockley wrote.
Neither Shockley nor the group provided a cause of death or Alexander’s age in the announcement.
While fans knew Alexander as the drummer behind some of Lakeside’s biggest hits, Shockley said his role within the group extended far beyond music.
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More Than the Drummer
According to Shockley, Alexander became one of the key figures responsible for keeping Lakeside operating long after its commercial peak.
“He kept us working after all seemed lost some twelve years ago,” Shockley wrote. “He made sure that our taxes were paid. He Kept our Trademark consistent and up to date. He made sure that our plane flights were always taken care of.”
Shockley described Alexander as relentless, dependable and deeply committed to the organization he helped build.
For the surviving members of Lakeside, the loss marks the end of a partnership that stretched nearly five decades.
“We rode together through all of our albums, all of our concerts TV Shows, Ups And Downs,” Shockley wrote. “Until the wheels fell off.”
He later added, “God stepped in and said, ‘I can take care of him a little better so y’all hand him over.. I Got This.'”
A Key Part of Lakeside’s Success
Alexander joined Lakeside in 1977 as the Dayton, Ohio-bred group was beginning its climb toward national recognition.
Formed from members of local groups the Nomads and the Young Undergrounds, Lakeside developed a distinctive sound that blended powerful vocals with hard-driving funk grooves.
After relocating to California, the group eventually signed with Dick Griffey’s SOLAR Records and began a run that produced some of the era’s most memorable funk recordings.
Their breakthrough came with “It’s All the Way Live,” followed by fan favorites including “Raid,” “Your Wish Is My Command” and their biggest hit, “Fantastic Voyage.”
Known for energetic performances and a style that mixed funk, soul and showmanship, Lakeside became one of the defining groups of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
As drummer, Alexander provided the pulse that drove much of the band’s sound.
Preserving the Legacy
Like many veteran funk acts, Lakeside faced changing musical tastes, industry shifts and internal challenges over the years.
While some groups from the era faded away entirely, Lakeside continued performing for loyal audiences across the country.
Shockley credited Alexander with helping make that possible.
Beyond performing, Alexander took on many of the responsibilities necessary to keep the organization functioning, from administrative work to logistics and long-term planning.
His efforts helped ensure that Lakeside’s music continued reaching audiences decades after the group’s chart success.
Tributes From Friends and Peers
Following the announcement, fellow artists and longtime supporters shared messages honoring Alexander’s life and contributions.
Former Slave frontman Steve Arrington wrote, “So sorry, Steve, to hear of the passing of the great Fred Alexander. Much love for him as a brother and his drumming. R.I.P brother Fred, and thanks for the wonderful music. Prayers go out to his family and the Lakeside brotherhood.”
Singer Evelyn “Champagne” King also expressed disbelief after hearing the news.
“My God not Fred Alexander,” she wrote. “We just saw you and worked together at the Old School Cruise. Wow!”
King offered condolences to Alexander’s family, friends and bandmates, calling him a “true legendary musician and friend.”
A Lasting Impact
For fans, Fred Alexander’s legacy will continue through the music he helped create, from “Fantastic Voyage” to “Raid” and many other Lakeside classics that remain staples of funk and R&B radio.
For those closest to him, however, he will be remembered not only as a gifted drummer but as a loyal friend and trusted teammate whose dedication helped carry Lakeside through nearly five decades of triumphs and challenges.
As Shockley wrote in his farewell message, “Those are some little BIG Shoes to fill.”
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