Rochelle Fleming, the powerful lead singer of pioneering Philadelphia soul and disco group First Choice, has passed away at the age of 72.
Fleming died in Philadelphia on November 5. Her passing was confirmed the following day by her longtime manager, George Iz Correia, through a statement posted on her official Instagram account.
The statement remembered Fleming as a woman who "brought light, laughter and love to the world", adding that further information about services celebrating her life would be shared in due course.
The cause of her death has not been made public.
Born in Philadelphia, Fleming discovered her passion for singing while studying at Overbrook High School. It was there that she joined Annette Guest and Wardell Piper in a vocal group that would eventually develop into First Choice.
Emerging from Philadelphia's thriving soul scene in the early 1970s, the group went on to establish itself as one of the most recognisable female vocal acts of the disco movement.
First Choice achieved their first major success with Armed And Extremely Dangerous in 1973, before releasing a string of popular tracks, including Smarty Pants, The Player, Doctor Love and Love Thang.
Fleming's commanding voice became a defining feature of the group's sound, helping them secure a lasting place in Philadelphia soul, disco and dance music.
Following the announcement of her passing, musicians and industry figures began sharing tributes in her memory.
Sister Sledge were among those who paid their respects, celebrating the unmistakable vocals that made First Choice's music so memorable.
The disco group shared a message on social media: "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."
Music company BMG also remembered the singer, highlighting the lasting impact of First Choice's catalogue on dance music and its continued influence on artists around the world.
Dan Baxter, BMG's SVP of Global Catalog Recordings, said: "Rochelle was an extraordinary vocalist, and the music she recorded with First Choice has left a lasting mark on dance music. “Doctor Love”, “Love Thang” and “Let No Man Put Asunder” continue to resonate with DJs and dance music fans worldwide, while remixes and samples have helped bring her voice to new generations. We send our deepest condolences to Rochelle’s family, friends and fellow members of First Choice. Her voice and the happiness it brought to countless people will always be remembered."
Among First Choice's best-known recordings was Let No Man Put Asunder, which first featured on their 1977 album Delusions. The song went on to become an influential dance music classic and was later covered by Mary J. Blige for her 1999 album Mary.
Although First Choice disbanded in 1980, Fleming went on to pursue a solo career, continuing to record and perform. Her later releases included Love Itch and Danger!, while her work with First Choice remained an important influence on successive generations of DJs, producers and musicians.
