Thomas McClary, Lionel Ritchie, and Ronald LaPreade of The Commodores.

They call him “Mr. Brickhouse.” You may not immediately recall the name, but you’ll certainly recognize the music.

Thomas McClary, founder of The Commodores, is bringing a rich history of music, faith and wisdom in support of Clean the World.

McClary, who wrote more than 25 percent of all the songs for The Commodores and co-produced hits such as “Three Times a Lady”, “Easy”, “Lady You Bring Me Up” and “Sail On”, will be a special guest at the Inaugural Clean the World Gala, Saturday, Nov. 5, at The Peabody Orlando.

An Orlando resident since 1967, McClary is a frequent visitor to the Clean the World soap recycling facility in downtown Orlando, and he’s been instrumental in spreading the word about Clean the World’s efforts to stop the spread of preventable diseases with soap.

“Clean the World has certainly touched the heart and soul of so many people around the world with its desire to eradicate disease and save lives,” McClary says. “Soap and water are things too many of us take for granted, until it’s not available. Clean the World has zeroed in on the benefits of soap and the power it has to stop the spread of fatal disease. I’m certainly touched by that and happy to help spread the word.”

In addition to The Commodores, where he collaborated with his friend Lionel Ritchie, McClary has worked with music superstars such as Diana Ross, Kenny Rogers, The Four Tops, James Ingram, and Melissa Manchester. His contacts within the music industry, and the friendships he has established over the years, may have far-reaching benefits for Clean the World and the people who will benefit from receiving recycled soaps and bottled amenities.

“We all travel and stay in nice hotels and resorts, and certainly, we all use soap,” McClary says. “Clean the World is providing a much-needed and easy to understand solution for people who don’t have such luxuries. I’m glad your hotel partners have made a strong commitment to help people who are less fortunate receive a little more care and comfort.”

McClary and the original members of The Commodores are back in the studio again working on a CD that he hopes will be “ready to hit the streets” by April 2012.

“The CD is being recorded in Orlando and Los Angeles,” McClary says. “It’s all new music, and it’s fun to bring some history and the heartbeat of the music from the 1970s, while marching to the commercial appetites of today’s consumers.”

Look for McClary at the Inaugural Clean the World Gala and sing a few lyrics from your favorite Commodores song. He’ll take it from there.

“It’s a privilege to touch people with music,” he says. “It brings great joy.”