Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Alfa Anderson

Alfa Anderson (September 7, 1946 – December 17, 2024) was an American singer, educator, and actress best known as a for the band , contributing powerful vocals to era-defining hits such as "," "," and "I Want Your Love" during the late 1970s. Born in , as the eldest of four children to Alfonso and Essie Anderson, she developed an early interest in music influenced by soul, jazz, and R&B sounds. She graduated with a degree in English from in Augusta in 1968, later earning a from and a second master's in educational leadership from . Anderson pursued a parallel career in education, working as a high school teacher, college lecturer, and eventually principal at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice in Brooklyn, New York. Anderson's music career began with backup vocals for artists including at in 1976, , and , before she joined in 1977 as a replacement for . She provided lead vocals on 's breakthrough albums (1978) and Risqué (1979), featuring on iconic tracks like "My Forbidden Lover" and "At Last I Am Free," which helped propel the band's sophisticated fusion of , , and to global success. Beyond , she contributed to high-profile projects such as the Quincy Jones-produced soundtrack for the film (1978) and served as a on -produced albums including Sister Sledge's We Are Family (1979) and 's (1980). In the mid-1980s, she toured extensively with , whom she backed vocally, and later married his bassist, Eluriel "Tinker" Barfield. In her later years, Anderson balanced her educational commitments with music, forming the gospel ensemble Voices of Shalom with her husband and releasing albums Messages (1999) and Daily Bread (2005). She also pursued solo endeavors, issuing the single "Former Lady of Chic" in 2013 and her debut album Music from My Heart in 2017, which showcased her versatility across pop, R&B, dance, and spiritual genres. Anderson's contributions to disco were honored when "Le Freak" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015 and the National Recording Registry in 2018. She is survived by her husband and two stepsons.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Alfa Anderson was born on September 7, 1946, in , as the eldest of four children to Alfonso Anderson, a , and Essie Anderson, a social worker. Her parents named her Alfa, drawing from "alpha," the first letter of the Greek alphabet, to honor her as their firstborn and reflecting her father's namesake. Growing up in a close-knit household, she often took on a protective role akin to a second mother for her younger siblings, fostering early responsibility amid the family's daily life in the South. The Anderson home was filled with music, as her mother sang and played , creating an environment where young Alfa frequently joined in for enjoyment. This familial musicality sparked her innate talent; at age three, she composed her first song on the piano about accidentally breaking a , gleefully , "I broke it. Yes, I broke it and I’m so glad I broke it," after hiding the evidence from her mother. Although her father struggled to carry a tune, the household's encouragement of her vocal and instrumental interests laid the groundwork for her artistic inclinations. During her early years, the family relocated from Augusta to , introducing cultural shifts that broadened her worldview while her southern roots remained influential. This period of childhood also saw her initial involvement in singing with family and later in school choirs, hinting at the structured musical paths she would pursue.

Academic pursuits and early musical training

Anderson pursued at , a historically Black institution in , where she earned a in English. During her time there from the mid-1960s, graduating in 1968, she became actively involved in the college choir, an experience that reignited her passion for and provided foundational training in vocal performance. Building on this foundation, Anderson advanced her studies at in , where she obtained a in English. She later earned a second in educational leadership from . While pursuing this graduate education, she joined the university's choir, further honing her vocal skills in a more diverse academic setting that exposed her to varied musical styles. Her early vocal training began in childhood through participation in church and school choirs in Augusta, including the Antioch Baptist Church choir, where she developed an affinity for soul-infused harmonies rooted in Southern Baptist traditions. Complementing this, she received instrumental instruction at school, learning , , and , which introduced elements to her musical palette and shaped her versatile approach to and . These formative experiences, including singing with family at home, laid the groundwork for her dual interests in and . As she transitioned into her professional life, Anderson took on the role of lecturer at in , teaching English while balancing her emerging musical endeavors on weekends. This position, which she held until the late 1970s, underscored her commitment to and allowed her to apply her educational training in a collegiate environment.

Professional career

Early musical beginnings

Alfa Anderson made her professional debut playing the role of Maggie and providing vocals in the 1976 musical production Big Man, composed by jazz saxophonist , which premiered at . This performance marked her entry into the professional music scene, showcasing her vocal talents alongside Adderley's ensemble in a blend of jazz and theatrical elements. Following her debut, Anderson established herself as a sought-after backup vocalist, recording with prominent artists across genres. She provided background vocals for R&B icons such as and , contributing to their recordings in the late 1970s. Her work extended to jazz sessions, notably appearing on Nat Adderley's 1976 album Hummin', where she lent her voice to tracks blending cornet-driven with soulful arrangements. These early collaborations highlighted her versatility in and R&B, as she supported ensembles and soloists through studio session work before gaining wider recognition. Throughout this period, Anderson balanced her emerging musical pursuits with her academic career, drawing on her background in and education from Columbia University's Teachers College. She lectured at in , teaching freshman English during the week while taking on weekend gigs and recordings. This dual role allowed her to maintain financial stability as she navigated the competitive landscape of session singing, performing at venues like in productions such as Children of the Fire by Hannibal Marvin Peterson.

Tenure with Chic

Alfa Anderson joined the band in 1977 as a backup vocalist, initially contributing to tracks like "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" and "Everybody Dance" from their debut album. Her entry into the group came through an invitation from to a vocal session, marking a pivotal step in her career during the height of the era. Following Norma Jean Wright's departure, Anderson was promoted to co-lead vocalist in 1978 alongside Luci Martin, a role she held through the band's peak years. She provided lead vocals on major hits including "Le Freak," which reached No. 1 on the in 1978 and became Atlantic Records' biggest-selling single at the time, "I Want Your Love" (1978), "" (1979, also a No. 1 pop and R&B hit), and the "At Last I Am Free" (1978). These performances showcased her versatile, soulful delivery, blending seamlessly with Chic's signature disco-funk grooves crafted by and . Anderson's contributions extended to the band's acclaimed albums C'est Chic (1978), which topped the R&B charts for 11 weeks and earned the 1979 R&B Album of the Year honor, and Risqué (1979), both of which highlighted her solo features and harmonies. In studio sessions, her voice added emotional depth to the group's polished productions, while live performances during extensive tours amplified Chic's energetic stage presence. Overall, Anderson's tenure helped define Chic's innovative disco-funk sound, influencing subsequent genres like through samples of tracks such as "Good Times."

Transition to education and concurrent roles

In the 1980s, following her intensive years with Chic, Anderson shifted focus toward education, earning a second master's degree in educational leadership from Bank Street College of Education. This advanced study built on her earlier academic foundation, including a master's in English from Teachers College at Columbia University, and equipped her for administrative roles in New York City's public school system. She initially lectured at Hunter College, where her teaching emphasized literature and communication skills tailored to diverse student populations. By the 1990s, Anderson had advanced to the position of principal at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, a high school in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood serving a predominantly community. In this role, she oversaw curriculum and programs focused on and , drawing on her educational leadership training to foster inclusive learning environments. Her prior master's in English significantly influenced her teaching methods and curriculum development, particularly in contexts; for instance, she incorporated from classic into lessons on , bridging cultural expressions to enhance engagement among multilingual students. Throughout this educational pivot, Anderson maintained ties to her musical career, balancing administrative duties with performance opportunities. From 1982 to 1987, she toured as a backup singer for , contributing vocals to his live shows and recordings while managing her growing commitments to teaching and family. This period exemplified her ability to intersect professional worlds, using insights from music to enrich educational practices.

Later projects and contributions

Solo and independent recordings

After leaving Chic, Alfa Anderson pursued independent musical projects that highlighted her personal artistry and roots in soul and gospel. In 2013, she released the single "Former Lady of Chic," an original track written and produced by her husband, Eluriel "Tinkr" Barfield, and her stepsons, marking her return to secular music with a nod to her disco legacy. This self-produced effort, distributed via Keep On Smilin' Productions, LLC, and available on platforms like , showcased Anderson's sophisticated vocal phrasing reminiscent of her Chic era, though it remained a standalone release without accompanying reinterpreted tracks. Building on this, Anderson's first full-length solo album, Music from My Heart, arrived in 2017 as a self-released project that blended soulful ballads with gospel-infused arrangements, reflecting her spiritual influences and personal tributes. Produced by her husband Eluriel "Tinkr" Barfield in collaboration with lesser-known family and local talents, the album was largely self-funded, allowing Anderson creative control over its intimate sound. Key tracks included the lead single "When Sings," a heartfelt homage to , and "Perfectly ," which evoked the polished funk of her Chic days through updated rhythms and harmonies. The album's reception underscored Anderson's niche appeal within revival scenes for , , and , earning praise for its authentic emotional depth during a launch at New York's Joe's Pub, though it achieved limited commercial success beyond dedicated fan circles. These independent endeavors represented Anderson's reinvention as a solo artist, prioritizing personal expression over mainstream visibility.

Ongoing collaborations and performances

In the , Alfa Anderson maintained her presence in the music scene through selective collaborations and live performances, often reuniting with former Chic associates to revive the band's legacy. A notable example was her contribution to the 2010 track "My Lover's Arms" by Tinkr B. and Lu-Fuki, where she joined fellow ex-Chic vocalists Luci Martin and , along with session singer , marking an early step in their ongoing partnership. This collaboration exemplified Anderson's involvement in modern revivals, blending classic grooves with contemporary production. Anderson provided guest background vocals on Chic's 2015 single featuring , which served as the lead track from the band's long-awaited return to recording after 23 years. The song, co-vocalized with Luci , topped the chart on June 20, 2015, underscoring Chic's enduring appeal in circles. She also participated in tours and festival appearances alongside and other former Chic members during the decade. These engagements, often under the "Formerly of Chic" banner with and , featured high-energy sets of hits like and at events such as galas and international broadcasts, balancing her educational commitments with sporadic musical outings.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Alfa Anderson married Eluriel "Tinker" Barfield, a producer, composer, and bass player, whom she met in the 1980s while serving as a backing vocalist on tour with Luther Vandross, where Barfield performed as the band's bassist. The couple's union lasted for several decades, during which they built a stable home life together in New York City. Upon settling in , Anderson and Barfield resided initially in before moving to , where they focused on family amid her shifting professional priorities. Anderson became a to Barfield's two sons from a previous , whom she warmly referred to as her "bonus sons," and she played an active role in raising them while prioritizing privacy in her personal affairs. The security provided by her marriage enabled Anderson to leave the demands of touring and studio work in 1987, allowing her to return to education and earn a second in from . Barfield's background in complemented her own pursuits, offering mutual encouragement as she balanced teaching roles with occasional performances and recordings.

Community and spiritual endeavors

In the late 1990s, Alfa Anderson co-founded the ensemble Voices of Shalom alongside her husband, the producer and musician Eluriel "Tinker" Barfield. The group emerged as a vehicle for Anderson's deep-rooted faith, drawing from her upbringing in the where she first honed her vocal talents through choir singing. Voices of Shalom focused on faith-based music that integrated traditions with soulful and inspirational elements, aiming to uplift listeners through original compositions centered on reflection and communal harmony. The ensemble released its debut album, Messages, in 1999, followed by Daily Bread in 2005, both produced by Barfield and featuring Anderson's lead vocals on tracks that explored themes of divine guidance, , and everyday devotion. These works blended traditional structures with contemporary influences, creating accessible anthems intended for worship and personal inspiration. Through Voices of Shalom, Anderson extended her musical into community settings, organizing performances at local churches and events to promote outreach and foster spiritual connection among audiences. Anderson's spiritual commitments permeated her wider career, reflecting her lifelong dedication to using as a bridge between personal belief and collective experience.

Death and legacy

Death and immediate aftermath

Alfa Anderson died on December 17, 2024, at the age of 78. The was not publicly disclosed at the time. Her funeral service was held on January 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel at in , where she had been a student in the Class of 1968. The event was organized by W.H. Mays Mortuary and served as a celebration of her life and legacy. Upon the announcement of her death, , founder of , shared a heartfelt tribute on , stating, "Thank you for everything," and expressing the band's profound sadness over the loss of their longtime collaborator. Other Chic members echoed similar sentiments, recalling cherished memories from tours and performances. Major media outlets quickly covered Anderson's passing, emphasizing her pivotal role in Chic's disco hits like "Le Freak" and "Good Times." The New York Times described her as the singer behind memorable No. 1 records that defined the era. Rolling Stone highlighted her lead vocals on those tracks and published a previously unpublished 2013 interview with her shortly after the news broke.

Accolades and enduring impact

In 2014, Anderson received the Golden Mic Award from the Global Entertainment Media Arts (G.E.M.A.) Foundation in recognition of her vocal excellence and contributions to the music industry. This honor highlighted her longstanding influence as a performer, particularly during her tenure with . In 2018, she was inducted into the Legends of (L.O.V.) Hall of Fame alongside fellow vocalists and Luci Martin. Anderson's lead vocals on Chic's "Le Freak" earned significant institutional acclaim, with the track inducted into the in 2015 for its lasting qualitative and historical significance in the genre. The song, a defining hit from 1978, was further preserved in the Library of Congress's in 2017, acknowledging its cultural impact as a of American . In 2018, —Anderson's hometown—honored her multifaceted career in music and education by presenting her with the Keys to the City and proclaiming as "Alfa Anderson Day." This tribute underscored her role as both a global artist and a local educator who inspired generations through her work at and beyond. Anderson's enduring impact on the disco genre is evident in the timeless appeal of Chic's hits, where her powerful, emotive delivery helped define the era's sophisticated funk- sound. Her vocals on tracks like "" profoundly influenced , serving as the foundational sample for Sugarhill Gang's 1979 breakthrough "" and inspiring countless subsequent productions that bridged and rap. This cross-genre legacy extended the reach of 's rhythmic innovations into modern pop and electronic music, cementing Anderson's voice as a pivotal element in evolving dance traditions. Beyond performance, Anderson's dual legacy as a singer and educator remains a model of versatility, though recognition for her solo recordings and academic contributions has often been overshadowed by her Chic association. Tributes following her death included a January 2025 memorial service in Augusta that celebrated her full range of achievements.

References

  1. [1]
    Alfa Anderson obituary | Pop and rock - The Guardian
    Dec 25, 2024 · American singer best known as a vocalist with the 1970s disco group Chic whose hits included Le Freak.
  2. [2]
    Chic Singer Alfa Anderson Dies at 78 | Pitchfork
    Dec 21, 2024 · Alfa Anderson, the singer of some of disco group Chic's biggest songs, including “Le Freak,” “Good Times,” “My Forbidden Lover,” “At Last I Am ...
  3. [3]
    Remembering Alfa Anderson, the voice behind 'Le Freak' and 'Good ...
    Dec 24, 2024 · Alfa Anderson's work extended beyond music. She earned two master's degrees focused on education, worked as a college lecturer, and eventually ...
  4. [4]
    Alfa Anderson, Singer With Chic, Dies at 78 - The New York Times
    Dec 23, 2024 · Alfa Karlys Anderson, the eldest of four children, was born on Sept. 7, 1946, in Augusta, Ga., to Alonso and Essie Anderson, according to a ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  5. [5]
    Paine College Mourns the Loss of Alfa Anderson, Class of 1968 ...
    Dec 23, 2024 · Alfa Karlys Anderson, the eldest of four children, was born on Sept. 7, 1946, in Augusta, Ga., to Alonso and Essie Anderson, according to a ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    Honoring Black History: Remembering Alfa Anderson - WJBF
    Feb 21, 2025 · Anderson was born on September 7th,1946 in Augusta, and she was the first of four children. “She was the oldest child, so she was like the ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  7. [7]
    At Last, She Is Free: An Interview with Alfa Anderson - PopMatters
    Nov 14, 2013 · Throughout her many endeavors, she displayed a mastery of pop, R&B, dance, and even the occasional jazz standard. “I admire Alfa for her amazing ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    December 17, 2024 Alfa Anderson was an American singer and ...
    Dec 30, 2024 · Musically inclined from a young age, Anderson composed her first song at age three. Although Anderson showed early talent for music, she pursued ...Remembering Alfa Anderson (September 7, 1946 - FacebookRemembering Alfa Anderson, Singer from Chic - FacebookMore results from www.facebook.com
  9. [9]
    DISCO STARS FOLLOW GREATER CALLING 'RELIGION IS ...
    Jan 30, 2004 · El Uriel (Tinker) Barfield and his wife, Alfa Anderson Barfield, are still making music, most recently joining Gloria Henderson, Gershonah ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Chic's Alfa Anderson: The Lost Rolling Stone Interview
    Dec 22, 2024 · I was a teacher [at Hunter College in New York]. I was an educator. I didn't even leave that job until after the first tour! Were you on ...
  11. [11]
    Alfa Anderson Dies: Lead Singer On Chic's 'Le Freak' Was 78
    Dec 21, 2024 · Per her official biography, Anderson got her start through a featured role in jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley's Big Man, which debuted at ...
  12. [12]
    https://www.vibe.com/news/national/alfa-anderson-chic-lead-vocalist-obituary-1234963915/
  13. [13]
    Alfa Anderson, Chic Lead Vocalist, Dead At 78 - VIBE.com
    Dec 23, 2024 · She continued to perform and record background vocals for the likes of Nat Adderley, Ray Barretto, Odyssey, Major Harris, and Roy Buchanan.
  14. [14]
    Alfa Anderson - Formerly of Chic: Alfa, Luci & Norma Jean
    A longtime New Yorker by way of Augusta, Georgia, Alfa Anderson began her professional singing career alongside some of the industry's most talented vocalists ...
  15. [15]
    Alfa Anderson, Chic Lead Vocalist, Dead at 78 - Rolling Stone
    Dec 21, 2024 · Following her joining Chic on tour, Anderson became co-lead vocalist alongside Luci Martin after Wright's departure, and served in that role ...
  16. [16]
    Billboard Hot 100™
    Debut Position. 48. Debut Chart Date. 10/28/78. Peak Position. 1. Peak Chart Date ... Le Freak. Chic. LW; 1. PEAK; 1. WEEKS; 8. LW; 1; PEAK; 1; WEEKS; 8. Debut ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Alfa Anderson of Chic reflects on education career & new music
    Jun 28, 2017 · After being a member of Chic and working with various artists as a studio singer in the 1970s, Alfa Anderson went back to school during the 1980s.
  18. [18]
    Alfa Anderson obituary: singer best known for Chic's Le Freak
    Jan 1, 2025 · Before becoming a professional singer, she had earned a degree at Columbia University and taught English at New York's Hunter College. Once ...
  19. [19]
    Alfa Anderson - Former Lady of Chic (Official Video) - YouTube
    Nov 1, 2013 · Official Video of Former Lady of Chic by Alfa Anderson © Copyright - Keep On Smilin Productions,LLC • Get the single on iTunes: ...
  20. [20]
    https://www.goldminemag.com/news/in-memoriam/in-memoriam-to-those-we-lost-in-2024/
  21. [21]
    In Memoriam: To those we lost in 2024 - Goldmine Magazine
    Jan 1, 2025 · In 2017, Anderson paid tribute to the '70s group with “Perfectly Chic” on her solo album Music from My Heart. Mike Brewer Brewer & Shipley's ...Missing: funded | Show results with:funded
  22. [22]
    Alfa Anderson sings - Facebook
    Week #1: This first photo is from my solo show at Joe's Pub in 2017 to celebrate the release of my first solo album "Music from My Heart." There was so much ...Missing: production | Show results with:production
  23. [23]
    Alfa Anderson Dead: Chic Vocalist Dies at 78 - People.com
    Dec 23, 2024 · According to her official bio, she made her professional debut in Cannonball Adderley's Big Man (1976), which premiered at Carnegie Hall ...
  24. [24]
    Chic singer Alfa Anderson has died, aged 78 - NME
    Dec 22, 2024 · Anderson was born in Augusta, Georgia, on September 7, 1946. It's been reported that she composed her first song at the age of three, before ...
  25. [25]
    Alfa Anderson - SoulTracks
    Alfa Anderson is a former lead singer of the iconic band Chic, known for her powerful vocals in hits like 'Le Freak' and 'Good Times.'<|control11|><|separator|>
  26. [26]
    About Us - Formerly of Chic: Alfa, Luci & Norma Jean
    The first step towards their current collaboration arrived in 2010 when the three reunited on Tinkr B. and Lu-Fuki's “My Lover's Arms.” With new music in the ...
  27. [27]
    News Archive | alfaanderson
    Alfa Anderson sings background vocals on the new single by CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers, "I'll Be There." It will be released March 20, 2015 on Warner Bros.
  28. [28]
    Nile Rodgers on Chic's First Dance Club Songs No. 1 in 23 Years
    Jun 11, 2015 · Iconic pop/dance act Chic returns to the summit of Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart (dated June 20) with "I'll Be There" (2-1), featuring ...
  29. [29]
    R.I.P. Alfa Anderson (1946-2024): The Graceful Voice of Chic; Tribute
    Dec 22, 2024 · Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1946, Alfa's journey from her Southern roots to the forefront of the global disco scene is a story of ...
  30. [30]
    ALFA ANDERSON, aged 78 - Really Interesting People
    Jan 5, 2025 · Alfa was also a singer in her church choir. After leaving school, she went to Paine College in Augusta, where she got a degree in English.
  31. [31]
    Alfa Anderson, singer with Chic of the disco masterpieces Le Freak ...
    Jan 1, 2025 · Alfa Anderson, who has died aged 78, was a singer with Chic, who took dance music to a new level in the late 1970s with such disco-funk masterpieces as Le ...Missing: composed childhood
  32. [32]
    Alfa Anderson - WBSS Media
    Dec 17, 2024 · Anderson was born in Augusta, Georgia, on September 7, 1946. Her parents named her "Alfa" (from "alpha" the first letter of the Greek alphabet, ...
  33. [33]
    Alfa Anderson, Chic Vocalist and Disco Icon, dies at age 77
    Dec 18, 2024 · 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.
  34. [34]
    Remembering Alfa Anderson, the voice behind 'Le Freak' and 'Good ...
    Dec 24, 2024 · Alfa Anderson sang on some of Chic's most memorable hits, including "Le Freak," "Good Times," and "My Forbidden Lover." She died on Dec. 17 at 78.
  35. [35]
    Mrs. Alfa Anderson Barfield - Obituary - W.H. Mays Mortuary
    Dec 16, 2024 · We were both choir members in Paine College's choir while students there. May she Rest In Heavenly Peace. Lucretia P. Brown from Augusta ...Missing: gospel | Show results with:gospel
  36. [36]
    https://www.officialalfaanderson.com/bio
  37. [37]
    Complete National Recording Registry Listing | Programs
    Le Freak (single), Chic Additional Information, 1978, 2017, Disco/Dance. Footloose (single), Kenny Loggins Additional Information, 1984, 2017, Pop (1976-1996).Missing: Alfa | Show results with:Alfa
  38. [38]
    Bio - Alfa Anderson
    Alfa Anderson is a soul and dance music icon whose voice defines an entire era of popular music. As one of the original lead vocalists in the Rock & Roll Hall ...
  39. [39]
    Alfa Anderson, Augusta native who sang with CHIC during the ...
    Dec 19, 2024 · Born Sept. 7, 1947, she attended Paine College and received her master's degree from Columbia University, New York. had a featured role in ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood<|control11|><|separator|>
  40. [40]
    "Good Times" At 40: The Hip-Hop Legacy Of Chic's Immortal Smash
    Jun 28, 2019 · “Good Times” is more than just a song, even though it'd be immortal if a song was all it was: widely considered the last #1 of the disco era.
  41. [41]
    Pretty in Pink Vinyl: An Interview with Disco Legend Alfa Anderson
    Dec 4, 2018 · In her exclusive interview with PopMatters, Anderson reflects on a year of solo victories and shares why she's always said “yes” to life.Missing: reception commercial
  42. [42]
    https://www.spokesman-recorder.com/2017/06/28/alfa-anderson-chic-reflects-education-career-new-music/