Death of Alfa Anderson, voice of the group Chic and the hit Le Freak, at 78

She lent her voice to the hit Le Freak in 1978, by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. American disco star Alfa Anderson, one of the lead singers of the group Chic in the 1970s, died at the age of 78 on December 17. It was the founder of the group, Nile Rodgers, who announced it on his Instagram account. The causes of death have not yet been specified.

« Thanks for everything »wrote the guitarist, songwriter and producer, in the caption of the publication, to which several photos of Alfa Anderson are added. They are accompanied by Music, At last i’m free (1978). A beautiful tribute to a legend who will be « always loved » by the Chic group, it is also indicated.

The voice of Freak

In 1978, Alfa Anderson was one of the members of the group Chic, whose adventure began with the release of Good Times, Everybody Dance et I Want Your Lovetheir first hits. These songs were sources of inspiration for many other artists, such as Sugarhill Gang, Will Smith, Grandmaster Flash, Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue.

Chic – Le Freak

But the most famous work of Chic remains Le Freak. Selected in 1995 by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of « 500 songs that shaped rock'n'roll »and awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2015, this song has also inspired many other artists over the past decades. Scottish group Wet Wet Wet in 1994 (Ain’t not stoppin’), for example, integrated a cover of the title into a medley.

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Artist and high school principal

Before joining the group Chic, Alfa Anderson started on stage alongside jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. She then was a backing vocalist for salsa producer Ray Barretto, the R&B group Odyssey and rock guitarist Roy Buchanan. She also participated in the film's soundtrack. The Wiz (1978) with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

The American singer also collaborated with Sister Sledge and Johnny Mathis on records produced by Nile Rodgers. Once the group disbanded in 1983, Alfa Anderson continued his career by associating with a number of artists: Vandross, Gregory Hines, Mick Jagger, Teddy Pendergrass and Bryan Ferry. In 2017, she finally released her first solo album, Music From My Hearthwhich she presented with a sold-out concert in New York.

Beyond being an accomplished artist, Alfa Anderson also had a career in the education sector. In the 90s, the singer returned to her studies to become a high school principal, at an establishment called El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice High School in Brooklyn. « During his tenure, Alfa inspired and transformed the lives of our youth and our community with his profound grace, wisdom, artistry and indomitable spirit. We thank you, dear Alfa, and may we continue to dance with the angels in everlasting peace and power. »wrote the American high school in a publication shared on social networks.