Alfa Anderson sang on such quintessential Chic singles as “Le Freak” and “Good Times” in addition to working with artists like Diana Ross and Mick Jagger.
Another figure near and dear to early dance music history has passed away as Chic vocalist Alfa Anderson died last month.
The funk and disco band’s guitarist, Nile Rodgers, first broke the news of Anderson’s passing via Instagram. Captioned “Thank you for everything,” the post consisted of a slide show of images of the late vocalist with superimposed text reading, “RIP Alfa Anderson … forever loved.”
Anderson was born in Augusta, Georgia to a postal worker father and social worker mother. She grew up singing in the church and with the Girl Scouts in addition to learning how to play the saxophone, flute, and piccolo. Among her first professional accolades were a role in the play Big Man at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1976.
Then came Chic. Anderson initially sang as a backup vocalist for the group, but by 1978, she had been promoted to lead singer after Norma Jean Wright departed to pursue her solo project. Iconic and commercially successful tracks like “I Want Your Love,” “Le Freak,” and “Good Times” all featured the angelic vocals of Alfa Anderson.
Chic disbanded in 1983, but that didn’t signal the end of Anderson’s career. She performed in Chic member Luther Vandross‘ band between 1983-1987, further working alongside artists like Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, Sister Sledge, and Bryan Adams. When Chic reunited in 2015, she delivered vocals for the milestone single “I’ll Be There,” and 2017 marked the release of her first solo album, Music From My Heart.
We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Alfa Anderson during what can only be a difficult time.
