Rochelle Fleming, the influential founder of the Philadelphia girl group First Choice, has passed away at the age of 72. Her manager, George Iz Correia, announced her death on behalf of the family in an Instagram tribute on November 6, revealing that Fleming died the previous day in Philadelphia. While the cause of her death remains undisclosed, the message conveyed deep appreciation for her life and impact on the music world.
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Born and raised in Philadelphia, Fleming co-founded First Choice in 1971 alongside Annette Guest and Wardell Piper. The trio gained recognition in the music scene with the hit song “Armed and Extremely Dangerous” in 1973, which set the stage for a string of successes in the disco and R&B genres. Other notable tracks from the group included “The Player (Part 1),” “Smarty Pants,” and “Let No Man Put Asunder,” which became classics of the era.
Throughout the 1970s, First Choice made significant contributions to dance music, building a lasting legacy. The group officially disbanded in 1980, after which Fleming transitioned to a solo career. She continued to release music, achieving solo hits such as “Love Itch” in 1985, and “Suffer (The Consequences)” a decade later.
Rochelle Fleming’s influence reached far beyond her own performances; her songs have been sampled and reinterpreted by numerous contemporary artists. In 1999, Mary J. Blige famously covered “Let No Man Put Asunder” on her album, and electronic artist Kaytranada incorporated “Love Thang” into his song “10%,” which won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording in 2021, showcasing Fleming’s enduring impact on modern music.
Correia, who managed Fleming for 17 years, expressed his grief in his memorial post. He reminisced about the shared experiences they had during their time working together and offered condolences to Fleming’s family, including her husband Robert Finney. In a heartfelt message, he highlighted her positive spirit, recalling how she brought joy to everyone around her, even sharing light-hearted moments from their daily lives.
Within the community, Fleming’s death resonated deeply. The Christian Hope Baptist Church, where she attended services since childhood, shared a message of condolence on Facebook, reflecting on her commitment to the church and the choirs she sang with over the years. The church’s statement underscored the loss felt not just by friends and family, but by the local community that knew her well.
BMG, the company that manages part of First Choice’s catalogue, also paid tribute to Fleming. Dan Baxter, the Senior Vice President of Global Catalog Recordings at BMG, praised her remarkable talent and the indelible mark she left in dance music history. He noted that songs such as “Doctor Love” and “Let No Man Put Asunder” continue to resonate with audiences, indicating the strong connection her music still holds with dance enthusiasts across generations.
As tributes and memories continue to pour in from fans, fellow artists, and family members, Rochelle Fleming’s legacy as an iconic voice in the history of R&B and disco remains secure. The impact of her music, vibrant personality, and dedication to her craft will be celebrated and remembered for years to come. Services to commemorate her life are expected to be announced later, providing an opportunity for loved ones and fans to honour her memory together.
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