R&B and disco legend Rochelle Fleming dead at 72

Rochelle Fleming, a founding member and lead singer of the Philadelphia R&B and disco group First Choice, has died at 72, according to multiple outlets including AL.com, USA Today, Yahoo, KCCI, Page Six, and Legacy Obituary. Fleming was a Philadelphia native, and First Choice was formed there in 1971. The group produced a string of hits that included "Armed and Extremely Dangerous," "Smarty Pants," "The Player (Part 1)," "Guilty," "Love Thang," and "Doctor Love." "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" was the group's breakout hit, making a splash on the R&B charts in 1973, AL.com reported. First Choice broke up in 1980, but Fleming continued with a solo career.

The Christian Hope Baptist Church family announced the death on Facebook, writing that they were "heartbroken at the passing of our beloved Sister Rochelle Fleming" and giving thanks to God for her life, her voice, and the many years she shared with the congregation. The church noted that Fleming came to Christian Hope as a child with her family and remained a faithful member all her life, adding, "Even as a world-renowned artist, she always came home. She kept serving and sharing her gift right here in service to the Lord." The post also recalled, "When Rochelle stepped forward for a solo, the whole sanctuary leaned in. Her voice stirred our spirits, moved us to tears, and lifted us into praise."

Music producer Lenny Fontana paid tribute on Facebook, calling Fleming "one of the greatest in R&B, Disco, and House music" and noting she was "probably one of the most sampled in current dance music as you will hear her voice on so many recordings. A humble person and to us an ICON! Rest in Eternal Peace as we all loved you." The Legacy Obituary listed her date of death as November 5, 2026.