Rochelle Fleming, a founding member and lead singer of the beloved R&B and disco girl group First Choice, has died. A Philadelphia native, Fleming helped form the group in her hometown in 1971. First Choice went on to produce a string of hits, including “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” “Smarty Pants,” “The Player (Part 1),” “Guilty,” “Love Thang,” and “Doctor Love.” The group’s 1973 breakout, “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” made a notable impact on the R&B charts. First Choice disbanded in 1980, and Fleming continued on as a solo artist.
Christian Hope Baptist Church shared its grief on Facebook, calling Fleming “our beloved Sister Rochelle Fleming” and giving thanks for “her life, her voice, and the many years she shared both with us.” The church said the world knew her as the founding member and lead singer of Philadelphia’s First Choice, whose music reached audiences around the globe, but that its members knew her first as one of their own. Fleming came to Christian Hope as a child with her family and remained a faithful member all her life, the church said, noting that even as a world-renowned artist she “always came home” and kept serving and sharing her gift in service to the Lord.
The church also praised Fleming for singing in the choir. “When Rochelle stepped forward for a solo, the whole sanctuary leaned in,” the post read. “Her voice stirred our spirits, moved us to tears, and lifted us into praise. We looked forward to those moments, and we will carry them with us always.”
Fans and friends also paid tribute on social media. Lenny Fontana wrote on Facebook: “One of the greatest in R&B, Disco, and House music has left us. The lead singer of the First Choice of Salsoul Records. Rochelle Fleming. She is probably one of the most sampled in current dance music as you will hear her voice on so many recordings. A humble person and to us an ICON! Rest in Eternal Peace as we all loved you.”