Fred Alexander Jr, from the Ohio funk band Lakeside, laid down some serious grooves in the 1970s and
1980s that are still heard today around the world.
Born on May 19, 1954, in Dayton, Ohio, he joined the funk band known as Lakeside. Lakeside was on the verge of getting signed to Dick Griffey’s new SOLAR Records. Lakeside was originally comprised of two local groups, the Nomads and the Young Undergrounds. Initially known as Ohio Lakeside Express, they worked with everyone from Curtis Mayfield and Motown Records before they picked up barefoot drummer Fred Alexander Jr.
Now shortened to Lakeside, Fred played drums on all of Lakeside’s records, including their top
five hits, “It’s All The Way Live” the Beatles cover” I Want To Hold Your Hand” and their smash hit “Fantastic Voyage.” “Fantastic Voyage” has been sampled numerous times, most famously by rapper Coolio. He also lent his foot to other SOLAR recording artists, including Shalamar, Carrie Lucas, Klymaxx, and the Whispers.
In later years, Fred was the band’s administrator and booking agent. Billed as The Original Lakeside in recent years, Fred was a loyal member for 49 years, performing with the band to the very end.
Fred Alexander passed away on June 11, 2026. He was 72 years old. His official cause of death has not been released.
