ECNETNews reports the passing of Alfa Anderson, the iconic vocalist known for her contributions to the disco group Chic, including hits like “Le Freak,” “Good Times,” and “I Want Your Love.” Anderson, age 78, was recognized for her significant impact on music, with the announcement of her death coming from Chic’s Nile Rodgers, who did not disclose a cause.
Born on September 7, 1946, in Augusta, Georgia, Anderson began composing music at the tender age of three. She pursued an education in teaching, attending Paine College and Columbia University, all while actively participating in her school choirs. Her career took off when she provided backup vocals for Cannonball Adderley at Carnegie Hall in 1976. She later worked with renowned artists like Dionne Warwick and featured on the famous Quincy Jones-produced soundtrack for The Wiz. It was during this period that Luther Vandross encouraged her to audition for the then-emerging group Chic in 1977.
Although both Vandross and Anderson contributed to Chic’s self-titled debut album, it wasn’t until Norma Jean Wright’s departure that Anderson took on the role of lead vocalist. She featured prominently in Chic’s major albums, including 1978’s C’est Chic and 1979’s Risqué, until the band’s first breakup in 1983. During her career with Chic, Anderson made notable appearances on shows such as Soul Train and Top of the Pops, and she lent her vocals to Chic-produced projects like Sister Sledge’s We Are Family and Diana Ross’s Diana.
After an extensive international tour with Vandross in the mid-1980s, Anderson shifted her focus to education, eventually becoming principal at Brooklyn’s El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. Throughout the 2010s, she continued to release music, including the single “Former First Lady of Chic” and the album Music From My Heart. Anderson’s legacy was honored in 2015 when Chic’s “Le Freak” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, followed by its addition to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2018.
