R&B and disco music have lost one of their most recognizable voices. Rochelle Fleming-Finney, the powerful lead singer and founding member of the Philadelphia vocal group First Choice, has died at the age of 72. Her death marks the passing of an artist whose music helped shape the sound of 1970s soul and disco.
The news was announced through a statement shared on her official social media account by her manager, George Iz Correia. According to the announcement, she died on November 5, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
The statement remembered her as someone who brought happiness and love into the lives of people around her. Funeral and memorial service arrangements are expected to be announced separately.
Rochelle Fleming-Finney’s Death Confirmed at 72
The announcement of Rochelle Fleming-Finney’s death has prompted renewed attention to her remarkable musical journey. Her manager confirmed the news in a heartfelt message, identifying her as the founder of First Choice.
The statement described her as a person who brought light, laughter and love to the world. It also thanked supporters for their kindness during a difficult time.
Although details surrounding her final days remain private, her death has already become an important moment for fans of Philadelphia soul, R&B and classic disco.
How First Choice Began in Philadelphia
Fleming’s musical journey started during her school years in Philadelphia. Alongside classmates Annette Guest and Wardell Piper, she began performing in a group originally known as The Debonettes.
Their early performances helped them attract attention in the local music scene. Philadelphia radio personality Georgie Woods eventually helped connect the young singers with producer Norman Harris and songwriter Allan Felder.
That connection opened the door to professional recording opportunities. The group eventually adopted the name First Choice and began building a reputation for its distinctive vocal arrangements.
Rochelle Fleming-Finney became the group’s defining voice, bringing power, emotion and personality to its recordings.
First Choice Hits That Made Her Famous
First Choice achieved major recognition in 1973 with the release of “Armed and Extremely Dangerous.” The song became a breakthrough success, reaching No. 11 on the US Billboard R&B chart and No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The group followed that success with several popular recordings, including:
- “Smarty Pants”
- “The Player”
- “Guilty”
- “Doctor Love”
- “Love Thang”
- “Double Cross”
These songs helped establish First Choice as an important name in Philadelphia’s growing soul and disco scene.
Their music combined expressive vocals, energetic arrangements and memorable rhythms that appealed to both radio listeners and nightclub audiences.
‘Let No Man Put Asunder’ Became a Dance Music Classic
One of the most important recordings associated with Rochelle Fleming-Finney was First Choice’s “Let No Man Put Asunder,” originally featured on the 1977 album Delusions.
The track developed a life beyond its original release, becoming a favourite among DJs and later gaining recognition within the emerging house music movement.
Its influence continued through remixes, samples and new interpretations. R&B star Mary J. Blige also covered the song in 1999, introducing its emotional message to another generation of listeners.
The recording demonstrated how First Choice’s music could cross musical boundaries and remain relevant long after its original release.
Rochelle Fleming-Finney’s Musical Legacy Lives On
First Choice eventually disbanded around 1980, but Fleming continued pursuing music as a solo performer. Her recordings included dance tracks such as “Love Itch” and “Danger!”
Her influence also extended beyond traditional R&B and disco. DJs and producers continued discovering First Choice’s catalogue, using its distinctive sounds in dance productions and club performances.
For many music lovers, Rochelle Fleming-Finney represented an important connection between Philadelphia soul, classic disco and modern dance music.
Her passing at 72 leaves behind a musical legacy that continues to reach audiences across the globe. While fans mourn her loss, the recordings that made her famous will continue introducing her remarkable voice to new listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Rochelle Fleming-Finney?
Rochelle Fleming-Finney was an American R&B and disco singer best known as the founding lead vocalist of the Philadelphia group First Choice.
2. How old was Rochelle Fleming-Finney when she died?
She was 72 years old when she died on November 5, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
3. What were Rochelle Fleming-Finney’s most famous songs?
Her best-known recordings with First Choice included “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” “Smarty Pants,” “Doctor Love,” “Love Thang” and “Let No Man Put Asunder.”
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