Rochelle Fleming dies at 72: What was the cause of death of First Choice’s lead singer?

Rochelle Fleming, the powerful voice behind the Philadelphia soul and disco group First Choice, has died at 72. Her death was announced by her manager, George Correia, on social media. Fleming passed away on November 5 in Philadelphia, but no cause of death has been revealed. She leaves behind a musical legacy that includes some of First Choice’s best-known disco and R&B hits.

What was Rochelle Fleming’s cause of death?

Fleming’s death was confirmed through a statement shared on her social media accounts by her manager. Known in later years as Rochelle Fleming-Finney, she was 72 when she died. The announcement confirmed that she passed away in Philadelphia on November 5. However, neither her manager nor the statements shared by her family and church disclosed a medical reason for her death.


Her manager remembered her warmly, writing, “She brought light, laughter and love to the world.” The statement also said that services to celebrate her life would be announced at a later date. For now, the cause of death remains unknown.

How did Rochelle Fleming become famous with First Choice?

Fleming’s musical journey began while she was attending Overbrook High School in Philadelphia. She joined fellow students Annette Guest and Wardell Piper to form a singing group called the Debonettes. With help from Philadelphia radio personality Georgie Woods, the young singers connected with producer Norman Harris and songwriter Allan Felder. The group eventually became known as First Choice.

First Choice went on to release other popular tracks, including “Smarty Pants,” “The Player (Part 1),” “Guilty,” “Love Thang,” “Doctor Love” and “Let No Man Put Asunder.” Several of their records came out through Salsoul Records.

Her music continued beyond First Choice

After the group split, Fleming continued recording as a solo artist. Her dance releases included “Love Itch,” “Danger!” and “Suffer the Consequences.”

First Choice’s music also found new listeners through remixes, samples and cover versions. Fleming’s home church, Christian Hope in Philadelphia, paid tribute to her, saying, “The world knew Rochelle as the founding member and lead singer of Philadelphia’s own First Choice.” The church added, “Even as a world-renowned artist, she always came home.” DJ Lenny Fontana also remembered the singer, writing that “one of the greatest in R&B, Disco, and House music has left us.” The information is taken from Jamaica Observer and ArtVoice.