Rochelle Fleming, the powerhouse vocalist of R&B and disco group First Choice, has died at age 72.
Fleming died November 5 in her native Philadelphia, according to a statement posted on her Instagram account by her longtime manager, George Iz Correia.
“She brought light, laughter and love to the world. Services to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date,” Correia wrote in the caption.
Correia said the message was shared on behalf of the Fleming and Finney families.
No cause of death has been disclosed.
In a follow-up message, Correia reflected on his loss, writing: “Although my heartbreak is unbearable and the gravity of the situation hits at the most sporadic times, I have so many wonderful memories with Rochelle that I can’t help but smile with immense gratitude.”
Rochelle Fleming, the lead singer of the R&B and disco group First Choice, has died at 72 on November 5 in Philadelphia; She is pictured performing in New York City in 2019
Some of the group’s biggest hit songs include Doctor Love, Guilty, Let No Man Put Asunder and Love Thang
‘PLEASE KNOW THAT ROCHELLE LOVED ALL OF YOU❤️. She despised referring to her supporters as, “fans”. You were ALL known affectionately as her, “sweeties.”‘
‘She never uttered a harsh word about anyone (unless you were chewing gum) She loved, “The Golden Girls” and would text me random dialogue from the show on Sundays.’
He went on, ‘With the tributes and photos of and from you wonderful folks, I am reminded of work both Rochelle and I have done. Thank you to the people who gave me love for my work with Rochelle. I feel honored, blessed and proud to have contributed to her legacy.’
‘I know Rochelle would not want her, “sweeties” sad during this time so let’s continue to celebrate her and the legacy of, “First Choice’s” music. Please feel free to share your memories. Sending love to the DJ’s with the many tributes I have been tagged in.’
He concluded the post writing, ‘Sleep on Ro, I love and miss you. Love, “G.”‘
Our News Outlet has reached out to Fleming’s representative for comment.
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First Choice, originally called the Debonettes, was formed by Fleming, Annette Guest, Wardell Piper, and Malanie McSears in 1971 while they were in high school.
McSears soon left the group. Meanwhile Piper left before the release of their first album in 1973, and was replaced with Joyce Jones.
Some of the group’s biggest hit songs include Doctor Love, Guilty, Let No Man Put Asunder and Love Thang.
‘She brought light, laughter and love to the world. Services to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date,’ her longtime manager George Iz Correia announced on Instagram
Fleming’s cause of death has not been revealed at this time; She is pictured performing at the Chicago Stadium in 1979
After First Choice split in 1980, Fleming made a short-lived attempt to revive the group with cousin Laconya Fleming and Lawrence Cotell (the trio pictured in 1983)
Fleming went on to release a number of songs as a solo artist after the group split in 1980, including It’s Not Over and Nobody’s Fool.
She also made a short-lived attempt to revive the group with cousin Laconya Fleming and Lawrence Cotell.
Her final track release was the 2025 collab with Terry Hunter, Balls 2 Bounce, and one of her last stage appearances was in 2019 in New York City.
Following the news of her death, musical group Sister Sledge shared a tribute to Fleming on Instagram.
‘We’ve just heard of the passing of Rochelle Fleming, lead singer of the fantastic First Choice, and fellow Philly born artist. Rochelle’s legacy will live on through her beautifully soulful voice and music. May she rest in heavenly peace, and our condolences to her family and loved ones,’ the post read.
DJ Danny Tenaglia wrote, ‘This is very sad news. Rochelle and her early Philadelphia Music career with ‘First Choice’ was without a doubt the first 3 Girl group of Disco before it was even known as Disco. We all know the rest of her incredible history and discography that reached billions of hearts, minds and dance floors. Rest in peace my dear.’
DJ Spinna also shared his condolences, writing, ‘The golden voice of a lifetime. This is a hard one. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.’
