From Philadelphia soul to house music, Rochelle Fleming’s voice became a dance-floor institution.
The dance music world has lost one of its defining voices. Rochelle Fleming-Finney, founding member and lead vocalist of First Choice, died November 5, 2026, at age 72 in Philadelphia, according to a statement shared on her Instagram account by manager George Iz Correia on behalf of the Fleming/Finney family.
For generations of clubgoers, DJs and house music devotees, Fleming’s voice was more than familiar. It was foundational. Her performances were sampled, remixed and rediscovered so often that listeners could know her voice without knowing her name.
The announcement was shared in a memorial Reel on Fleming’s Instagram account, with manager George Iz Correia speaking on behalf of the Fleming/Finney family.
View the family’s memorial announcement on Instagram.
The Philadelphia Soul Powerhouse Behind First Choice
First Choice emerged from Philadelphia’s soul scene and helped shape the sound of 1970s dance music with songs including “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” “Smarty Pants,” “Doctor Love,” “Love Thang” and “Let No Man Put Asunder.” Working with producer Norman Harris, the group paired richly arranged soul with rhythms that made their records essential to disco DJs.
At the center was Fleming’s unmistakable delivery: commanding, playful, soulful and capable of turning a spoken phrase into a dance-floor command.
“Let No Man Put Asunder” Became Part of House Music’s DNA
First heard on the group’s 1977 album Delusions, “Let No Man Put Asunder” found a remarkable second life in clubs. DJs and remixers including Frankie Knuckles and Shep Pettibone helped carry the recording into the early house era, while its bassline, vocal breaks and spoken passages became a seemingly inexhaustible source of inspiration for producers.
The song’s influence runs through decades of house, garage and electronic music. Fleming’s voice wasn’t simply sampled; it became part of the language of the dance floor.
Listen: First Choice — “Let No Man Put Asunder”
The Voice That Outlived Every Dance-Music Era
As disco evolved into house and new generations discovered the First Choice catalog, Fleming’s performances remained present in clubs, remixes and samples. Few singers can claim such an enduring connection between the Philadelphia soul sound and the electronic dance music that followed.
Dance-Music Artists Remember Rochelle Fleming
Tributes poured into the family’s Instagram announcement from artists across generations of disco and house music.
DJ Spinderella wrote, “RIP Queen … Her voice was apart of some of my fav memories in the early 80s.”
House music legend Danny Tenaglia remembered the group’s pioneering impact: “Rochelle and her early Philadelphia Music career with ‘First Choice’ was without a doubt the first 3 Girl group of Disco before it was even known as Disco.” He added, “Rest in peace my dear.”
Honey Dijon celebrated Fleming’s influence, writing, “The legacy! Just impeccable. Thank you for so much inspiration and light! Godspeed!”
Melba Moore offered a simple farewell: “Rip Rochelle,” while Ultra Naté responded, “Oh no!!! I’m so so sad to read this!!!” Estelle shared, “awww man. Sending so much love.”
A Voice That Will Never Leave the Dance Floor
Some voices define an era. Others continue shaping music long after that era ends. Rochelle Fleming’s belonged to the latter. Every time a DJ reaches for a First Choice record or a new generation discovers “Let No Man Put Asunder,” her legacy lives on.
The family said details of services celebrating her life would be announced later.
Rest in the skies, Rochelle. Your voice will forever belong to the dance floor.
Sources
- Rochelle Fleming Instagram memorial Reel — family and manager announcement, November 2026.
- Dig Deep Records — “Let No Man Put Asunder” release and remix history.
- soulbrothanumbahone on YouTube — First Choice, “Let No Man Put Asunder” audio upload.
