Chic singer Alfa Anderson dies aged 78 as Nile Rodgers pays tribute: ‘Forever loved’

Alfa Anderson, former lead vocalist of iconic disco band Chic, has died aged 78.

The singer, known for her contributions to hits including Le Freak and Good Times, passed away on 17 December.

Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing a video montage of photos with Anderson’s solo feature “At Last I Am Free” as background music.

“Thank you for everything,” Rodgers wrote alongside the tribute, which read “RIP Alfa Anderson. CHIC organisation. Forever loved.”

No cause of death has been revealed for the musician, who served as one of Chic’s lead vocalists from 1978 to 1983.

Born on 7 September 1947, Anderson began her professional singing career with a notable debut at Carnegie Hall in 1976, performing in Cannonball Adderley’s Big Man.

She later starred in the Lincoln Center’s production of Children of the Fire, scored by trumpeter Hannibal Marvin Peterson.

Throughout the 1970s, Anderson recorded backing vocals for numerous artists, including Nat Adderley, Ray Barretto, Odyssey, Major Harris and Roy Buchanan.

She also contributed vocals to the Quincy Jones-produced soundtrack for The Wiz (1978), which starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

Anderson was also an accomplished educator, holding a master’s degree from Columbia University when she made her professional stage debut.

Anderson’s life changed in 1977 when Luther Vandross introduced her to Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, who were leading the newly formed Chic.

She initially provided backing vocals on the band’s early hit “Everybody Dance” and “Dance Dance Dance” from their debut album.

After joining Chic on tour, Anderson was promoted to lead vocalist alongside Luci Martin following Norma Jean Wright’s departure in 1978.

She went on to record some of the band’s biggest hits, including Le Freak, which became the biggest-selling single in Atlantic Records history for over 30 years.

Anderson also participated in Chic-produced sessions for other artists, lending her vocals to Sister Sledge’s We Are Family and Diana Ross’s Diana.

After Chic disbanded in 1983, Anderson continued performing, touring with Luther Vandross from 1982 through 1987.

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Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams, Teddy Pendergrass, and Bryan Ferry.

Anderson’s legacy includes Le Freak’s induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015, followed by its addition to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2018.

Speaking about Chic’s enduring popularity in 2013, Anderson reflected: “They’re imbued with a spirit that is all-embracing and universal. Because there’s complexity in Chic’s music, it never goes out of date.”

“It still makes you get up and dance no matter where you are. It’s just classic,” she added. “I’m humbled and honoured to be a part of that history and that legacy.”

Her final contribution to Chic came in 2015, when she served as one of the lead vocalists on I’ll Be There, the band’s first single in nearly 25 years.