[1] In 1976, Anderson made her professional debut in Cannonball Adderley's "Big Man — The Legend of John-Henry" sponsored by the Newport Jazz Festival at Carnegie Hall.

[1] Anderson worked as a lecturer at Hunter College in New York City while singing on weekends with Kenny and Everett Brawner, founders of the band, "Raw Sugar".

This led to work with other bands, such as Lou Courtney and Buffalo Smoke, where she met Ednah Holt, and later Fonzi Thornton and Michelle Cobbs.

[5][6] In 1977, Vandross encouraged Anderson to audition as a background vocalist for Chic, a new band created by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.

[7] Along with fellow lead Luci Martin, Chic would go on to produce many more charted hits, including the multi platinum "Le Freak" (1978) and "Good Times" (1979), as well as "My Forbidden Lover" (1979).

[1] At the height of Chic's fame, Anderson regularly appeared on television shows such as Soul Train,[8] The Midnight Special,[9] and Top of the Pops.

[17] Alfa Anderson was married to producer, composer, and bass player Eluriel "Tinkr" Barfield, whom she met while touring with Vandross.

[1][11][4] In addition to Vandross, Barfield has recorded or performed with Lou Rawls, The B-52's, Jaheim, Roberta Flack, The Roches, Marvin Sease, Doc Powell, Martha Wash, Debbie Gibson, Jennifer Holliday, Ashford and Simpson, as well as many other celebrated artists.

[18][19] Anderson and Barfield formed a group named Voices of Shalom, dedicated to exploring spiritual themes through original compositions.