Disco music loses one of its most iconic voices. Alfa Anderson, singer of some of Chic's greatest hits, has passed away at the age of 78.
The news was shared on social media by Nile Rodgers, co-founder of the band, who however did not disclose the cause of death.
THE HISTORY
Born on September 7, 1946 in Augusta, Georgia, Alfa Anderson showed an innate talent for music from an early age, composing her first song at just three years old. However, his initial path did not seem to be directed towards the world of music: he dedicated himself to studies, first attending Paine College and then Columbia University, with the intention of becoming a teacher. Despite this, she continued to sing in school choirs and, in 1976, made her debut as a backing vocalist at Carnegie Hall alongside Cannonball Adderley. From that moment, her career took off: she collaborated with artists of the caliber of Dionne Warwick and Roy Buchanan and participated in the soundtrack of The Wiz produced by Quincy Jones, where she met Luther Vandross, who encouraged her to audition for Chic in 1977 .
Upon joining Chic, Anderson became a central figure in the band, especially following the departure of lead singer Norma Jean Wright in 1978.
His voice characterized legendary albums such as C'est Chic (1978) and Risqué (1979), which include songs that have become immortal. Chic were not just a band, but a symbol of the cultural revolution that disco music represented at the end of the 70s: a musical movement capable of breaking down racial and gender barriers, and creating a new aesthetic and sonic language.
Anderson's role in Chic went far beyond the vocal performance. His presence on iconic stages such as Soul Train and Top of the Pops and his participation in parallel projects, such as Sister Sledge's We Are Family and Diana Ross' albums Diana, highlight his influence in defining the sound of disco music. His soft yet powerful voice embodied the fusion of sophistication and rhythm that characterized Chic.
The loss of Alfa Anderson reminds us of Chic's lasting impact on global music culture. Led by the creative genius of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, Chic transformed disco music into a complex and refined art, far from the superficial genre image often attributed to it. Alfa Anderson, with her unique voice, has been one of the main instruments of this transformation, giving audiences unforgettable moments and helping to build a musical legacy that continues to inspire.
AS A SOLOIST
Anderson continued to record and perform. In 2013 she released the single Former First Lady of Chic and in 2017 the album Music from My Heart.
Anderson embarked on an international tour with a trio featuring former Chic members Norma Jean Wright and Luci Martin. In 2016 the group collaborated with Aristofreeks and guest vocalist Kathy Sledge for the song Get on Up, which reached number two on Billboard's Club Chart.
Nile Rodgers recreated Chic with new vocalists in 1992. Anderson and Luci Martin appear on Chic's song I'll Be There (2015), which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart.
