Rochelle Fleming, the founding voice of disco trailblazers First Choice, has died at 72.
The Philadelphia-born singer passed away Thursday in her hometown, according to a statement posted to her Instagram account the following day. No cause of death has been disclosed.
“She bought light, laughter and love to the world,” the Friday announcement read.
Fleming’s longtime manager, George Iz Correia, paid tribute in a social media statement that mixed grief with fond recollection. “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 smile with immense gratitude,” he wrote.
Correia highlighted Fleming’s gentle spirit, noting she “never uttered a harsh word about anyone … unless you were chewing gum.” He revealed that the “Love Itch” singer rejected the term “fans,” instead calling her devoted listeners “sweeties,” He added that she would not want anyone “sad during this time.”
“So let’s continue to celebrate her and the legacy of ‘First Choice’s’ music,” Correia continued, before signing off, “Sleep on Ro, I love and miss you. Love, ‘G.'”
Christian Hope Baptist Church, where Fleming had worshipped since childhood, also memorialized her through Facebook. “Even as a world-renowned artist, she always came home,” a church spokesperson wrote, noting she had sung in the choir up until her death.
“Her voice stirred our spirits, moved us to tears, and lifted us into praise,” the statement read. “We looked forward to those moments, and we will carry them with us always.”
Born in 1950 and raised in Philadelphia, Fleming launched First Choice in 1971 alongside Annette Guest, Wardell Piper and Malanie McSears. The group quickly became a force in both R&B and disco, breaking through with “Armed and Extremely Dangerous” in 1973. Their 1974 release “The Player (Part 1)” climbed to the top of the US Billboard charts, cementing their crossover appeal.
The catalog also included “Smarty Pants” (1973), “Doctor Love” (1977) and the enduring club staple “Let No Man Put Asunder” (1977). When the group disbanded in 1980, Fleming pivoted to solo work, releasing “Love Itch” in 1985, “Danger!” in 1994 and “Suffer (The Consequences)” in 1995.
Her final musical release came this year: “Balls 2 Bounce,” a collaboration with Terry Hunter. Among her last live performances was a 2019 appearance in New York City.
Fleming spent more than five decades in music, bridging the gap between Philadelphia soul and the global disco explosion. Her work with First Choice helped define the sound of an era, while her solo output kept her connected to dance floors across generations.