Rochelle Fleming death: Tributes paid to First Choice singer

• Rochelle Fleming, lead singer and founder of 1970s Philadelphia soul and disco group First Choice, has died aged 72.
• Her manager confirmed that she passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 5 November 2026.
• First Choice achieved fame with hits including Armed And Extremely Dangerous and Smarty Pants, with their track Let No Man Put Asunder later covered by Mary J Blige.
• Tributes were paid by US group Sister Sledge, record label BMG, and her local church, praising her soulful voice and enduring influence on dance music.
• Fleming co-founded the group in 1971 and embarked on a solo career after First Choice disbanded in 1980.

IN FULL

First Choice singer Rochelle Fleming dies at 72: 'She bought light, laughter and love to the world'