​Disco vocalist and Chic singer Alfa Anderson has died aged 78

Alfa Anderson, the lead vocalist of disco group Chic, has died aged 78, Nile Rodgers has confirmed. No cause of death was given.

The Chic co-founder and producer shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday, December 17, writing: “RIP Alfa Anderson. Forever loved. Thank you for everything.”

Anderson was best known as one of the lead vocalists for Chic after joining the group in 1977, when she was encouraged by American musician Luther Vandross to audition as a backing singer.

She remained with the group for more than five years, regularly performing alongside Chic on popular TV shows including Top Of The Pops and Soul Train, and worked with the likes of Diana Ross and Sister Sledge during the group’s tenure.

During her time with Chic, Anderson provided vocals on hit tracks including ‘Good Times’, ‘My Forbidden Lover’, 'I Want Your Love', and ‘Le Freak’, many of which went on to peak in the charts.

After Chic was dissolved in 1983, Anderson continued to work alongside prolific artists, contributing to albums from the likes of Mick Jagger, Teddy Pendergrass, Bryan Adams, and more.

Anderson also went on to earn her second master’s degree after her time with Chic, and later became a principal at a high school in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1990s.

Former Chic vocalist Norma Jean Wright paid tribute to the late singer on social media, writing: “In loving memory of my sister in song, Alfa Anderson, legendary lead vocalist of Chic.”

“Rest in paradise and peace,” she wrote. “My dear friend, take your royal bow Alfa! You are a true trailblazer, and you live on, forever, in our hearts and in the music.”

Read some tributes to the late Alfa Anderson below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter