Alfa Anderson

Alfa Anderson, Chic Vocalist and Disco Icon, dies at age 77

(December 18, 2024) She was an unsung musical icon whose voice helped define a decade of popular music. Today we say a sad goodbye to singer Alfa Anderson, who has died at age 77. Best known for her role as a founding member of the iconic disco group Chic, Anderson’s powerhouse voice not only propelled that supergroup’s work but also much of the music of that era that followed. Nile Rodgers broke the news to fans on Instagram.

Born in the Bronx, New York, Anderson’s early exposure to music set the stage for a career rooted in the vibrant sounds of soul, jazz, and R&B. Her big break came when she was invited by Luther Vandross to a vocal session for the new group Chic. She performed backing vocals on the hits “Dance, Dance, Dance” and “Everybody Dance,” before being promoted to co-lead vocalist in 1978. Anderson’s standout performance on songs like “Le Freak” and “Good Times” cemented her as a key member of the ensemble. Her vocal prowess can also be heard on the band’s acclaimed albums C’est Chic (1978) and Risqué (1979), both of which became milestones in the disco era.

After Chic split in the early 80s, Anderson continued to work as a session vocalist and spent a half decade in Vandross’s touring group. She also established a successful solo career. In 1986, she released Alpha’s Beta which featured the dance hit “Love and Understanding.” She also formed the spiritual group Voices of Shalom with her husband, Tinkr Barfield. While her solo career didn’t reach the same commercial heights as her work with Chic, Alfa Anderson remained a respected and beloved figure in the music world, known for her versatility and powerful stage presence.

Anderson reunited with Chic vocalists Luci Martin and Norma Jean Wright in 2010 on “My Lover’s Arms.” The trio was also joined by Lisa Fischer, who’d previously sung with Alfa in Vandross’ band and Voices of Shalom. Produced by Tinkr Barfield, “My Lover’s Arms” appeared on Tinkr B. & Lu-Fuki’s It Is What It Is (2011). The album included Alfa’s lead vocals and songwriting contributions on “Money, Power” and “The Song That Captures Your Heart,” laying the groundwork for her first solo single, “Former Lady of Chic” (2013), written and produced by Eluriel (Tinkr) Barfield, Eluriah Barfield, and Taurie Barfield.

“Former Lady of Chic” sparked a surge of interest in Alfa’s career. Author James Arena devoted an entire chapter to Alfa in his best-selling book First Legends of Disco (2014), which led to Alfa’s acclaimed appearance with Norma Jean Wright and Luci Martin at the “First Ladies of Disco” concert in Palm Springs. That same year, Alfa performed at Central Park SummerStage (NYC), the Grand Opera House (Wilmington, DE), The Cutting Room (NYC), Joe’s Pub (NYC), and the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza, where she was a surprise guest during the venue’s inaugural concert by Nile Rodgers.

In addition to her work with Chic, Alfa collaborated with artists like Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, and David Bowie, contributing her unmistakable voice to numerous projects. Her legacy in disco, soul, and pop music is undeniable, and her influence continues to resonate with both fans and artists alike. May she rest in peace.