Disco legend Rochelle Fleming dead at 72, remembered for her voice and First Choice legacy

Tributes to Fleming

A statement shared on Fleming’s Instagram Friday announced her death. It remembered her for bringing “light, laughter and love,” the announcement said. Her longtime manager, George Iz Correia, shared his grief and gratitude for their memories. He praised Fleming’s kindness and said she preferred to call her supporters “sweeties,” rather than fans. Correia said she would not want people to be sad and urged them to celebrate her music and legacy.

A lasting church connection

Christian Hope Baptist Church, which Fleming attended as a child, said she remained a faithful member throughout her life. The Philadelphia church said she sang in its choir in the period leading up to her death.

A church spokesperson said Fleming returned home despite becoming a world-renowned artist. The church recalled her voice as stirring spirits, moving people to tears and lifting them into praise.

First Choice and solo work

Fleming founded the disco group First Choice in 1971 with Annette Guest, Wardell Piper and Malanie McSears. The group’s R&B breakthrough, “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” came out in 1973, followed by “The Player (Part 1),” which topped the US Billboard chart in 1974.

First Choice split in 1980, and Fleming then pursued a solo career. Her later releases included “Love Itch” in 1985, “Danger!” in 1994 and “Suffer (The Consequences)” in 1995.

Later music and performances

Fleming’s final track release was the 2025 collaboration “Balls 2 Bounce” with Terry Hunter. One of her last on-stage appearances took place in New York City in 2019.