Disco legend Rochelle Fleming, lead singer of First Choice, dies at 72
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Disco and R&B legend Rochelle Fleming, lead singer of the girl group First Choice, died on November 5, 2026, at the age of 72.
The news of Fleming’s passing was announced by her manager, George Iz Correia, on social media. While the cause of death was not revealed, it was mentioned that Fleming died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rochelle Fleming’s manager says she brought ‘light, laughter and love to the world’
In an official statement on Instagram on behalf of the Fleming/Finney family, Correia wrote, “It is with a heavy heart to share the passing of Rochelle Fleming-Finney. She was the founder of the R&B group, ‘First Choice.’ She passed away on November 5, 2026, at the age of 72 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.”
“She brought light, laughter and love to the world. Services to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date. Thank you for your support during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
Correia also shared his own tribute in his personal Instagram account. Sharing a selfie image with Fleming, he said, “Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Fleming/Finney family.“I love you all for the love and support you gave me managing Rochelle for the past 17 years.”
The manager continued, “I can’t go on without recognizing Rochelle’s husband, Mr. Robert Finney, for his support and assistance over the years. I watched him help pack plenty of suitcases over the years.”
He added, “Although my heartbreak is unbearable and the gravity of the situation hit at the most sporadic times, I have so many wonderful memories with Rochelle that I can’t help but to smile with immense gratitude.”
Addressing Fleming’s fans, Correia wrote, “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 concluded the tribute, saying, “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.”
Rochelle Fleming co-founded First Choice in 1971
Fleming teamed up with Annette Guest and Wardell Piper in 1971 to introduce the girls group, First Choice, in Philadelphia. The band earned its breakthrough with the 1973 hit, ‘Armed and Extremely Dangerous,’ which was followed by ‘The Player (Part 1)’ in 1974. They also delivered hits like ‘Smarty Pants,’ ‘Love Thang,’ ‘Let No Man Put Asunder,’ and ‘Doctor Live,’ throughout the 70s.
The group eventually went their separate ways in 1980, and Fleming moved on to enjoy a successful solo career. Over the years, she released hits like ‘Love Itch’ in 1985, ‘Danger!’ in 1994 and ‘Suffer (The Consequences)’ in 1995, among others.
BMG, which partly represents First Choice’s catalog through the American record label Salsoul, honored Fleming as a “remarkable singer.” Dan Baxter, SVP, Global Catalog Recordings at BMG, issued a statement, saying, “the records she made with First Choice have had a lasting influence on dance music.”
He mentioned, “‘Doctor Love’, ‘Love Thang’ and ‘Let No Man Put Asunder’ still connect with dancers and DJs around the world, while remixes and samples have introduced her voice to successive generations.”
Baxter further added, “Our heartfelt condolences go to Rochelle’s family, friends and fellow members of First Choice. Her voice and the joy it brought to so many will not be forgotten.”
