Rochelle Fleming, the celebrated lead singer of the Philadelphia R&B and disco group First Choice, has died at the age of 72. Her death marks the loss of a distinctive voice that helped shape the sound of 1970s soul and disco music.
Fleming died on November 5, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to an announcement shared by her longtime manager, George Iz Correia, on November 6. The statement was published on her Instagram account on behalf of her family.
The family did not disclose a cause of death. Her representatives also confirmed that arrangements for a celebration of her life would be announced at a later date.
The announcement described Fleming as someone who brought light, laughter and love to the world, while thanking fans and supporters for their messages during the difficult time.
Fleming rose to prominence as a founding member and lead vocalist of First Choice, a Philadelphia-based female vocal group she established in 1971 with Annette Guest and Wardell Piper.
The group gained national attention with its 1973 hit “Armed and Extremely Dangerous.” Its success continued with popular recordings such as “The Player (Part 1),” “Smarty Pants,” “Doctor Love” and “Love Thang.”
One of First Choice’s most influential recordings was “Let No Man Put Asunder,” which became a lasting favorite among disco and dance music audiences. The song later reached another generation of listeners through Mary J. Blige’s cover version on her 1999 album “Mary.”
First Choice eventually disbanded in 1980, but Fleming continued pursuing music as a solo artist. Her solo releases included “Love Itch” in 1985, “Danger!” in 1994 and “Suffer (The Consequences)” in 1995.
Her influence also extended into contemporary dance music. Canadian producer Kaytranada referenced First Choice’s “Love Thang” in “10%,” his 2019 collaboration with Kali Uchis. The track went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2021.
Following news of her death, fellow Philadelphia music group Sister Sledge joined the growing number of artists and industry figures paying tribute to the singer.
Sister Sledge, known for songs including “We Are Family” and “Lost in Music,” remembered Fleming for her powerful and soulful voice. The group also expressed condolences to her family and loved ones, highlighting the lasting impact of her music.
Music company BMG also recognized her contribution to the industry. Dan Baxter, Senior Vice President of Global Catalog Recordings at BMG, described Fleming as an extraordinary singer whose recordings with First Choice continued to influence dance music.
BMG highlighted the enduring popularity of “Doctor Love,” “Love Thang” and “Let No Man Put Asunder,” noting that remixes and samples had introduced her music to new generations of listeners.
Fleming’s longtime representative, George Iz Correia, also shared a personal tribute following her passing. He said he had represented the singer for 17 years and remembered the experiences and personal memories they had shared throughout their professional relationship.
Correia also acknowledged the support of Fleming’s husband, Robert Finney, and extended his condolences to the Fleming and Finney families. He described the loss as deeply painful while expressing gratitude for the time he spent working with her.
The Christian Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where Fleming had been a member since childhood, also paid tribute. The church remembered her not only as an internationally recognized performer but also as a familiar member of its community.
According to the church, Fleming regularly attended services and shared her singing talent through its choirs. Its tribute highlighted her longstanding connection to the congregation and her commitment to returning to her hometown community.
Although her career began during the golden era of Philadelphia disco, Fleming’s recordings continued to find audiences decades later. Her work with First Choice became part of the foundation of disco, soul and house music, leaving a lasting influence on artists, DJs and music fans around the world.
