Sister Sledge lead tributes to singer Rochelle Fleming after her death at 72

US band Sister Sledge have led tributes to singer Rochelle Fleming after her death at the age of 72.

Fleming was a member of 1970s Philadelphia girl group First Choice, known for hits including Armed And Extremely Dangerous and Smarty Pants.

The singer’s death was announced by her manager George Iz Correia in a post on her Instagram account.

It read: “It is with a heavy heart to share the passing of, Rochelle Fleming-Finney.

“She was the founder of the R&B group, “First Choice”. She passed away on November 5, 2026 at the age of 72 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“She bought light, laughter and love to the world. Services to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.”

Sister Sledge, known for hits including We Are Family and Lost In Music, praised the singer for her “soulful voice”.

They wrote on Instagram: “We’ve just heard of the passing of Rochelle Fleming, lead singer of the fantastic First Choice, and fellow Philly born artist.

“Rochelle’s legacy will live on through her beautifully soulful voice and music. May she rest in heavenly peace, and our condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Record company BMG Rights Management, which represents artists including Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen, Lenny Kravitz and Blondie, also paid tribute to Fleming.

In a statement on its website, the company wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rochelle Fleming, the beloved founding member and lead singer of First Choice, whose extraordinary voice helped shape Philadelphia soul and disco and left a lasting mark on dance music.”

Dan Baxter of Global Catalog Recordings said: “Rochelle was a remarkable singer, and the records she made with First Choice have had a lasting influence on dance music.

“Doctor Love, Love Thang and Let No Man Put Asunder still connect with dancers and DJs around the world, while remixes and samples have introduced her voice to successive generations.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to Rochelle’s family, friends and fellow members of First Choice. Her voice and the joy it brought to so many will not be forgotten.”

The Christian Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, which Fleming attended, also paid tribute.

A post on Facebook said: “The Christian Hope Baptist Church family is heartbroken at the passing of our beloved Sister Rochelle Fleming.

“We give thanks to God for her life, her voice, and the many years she shared both with us.

“The world knew Rochelle as the founding member and lead singer of Philadelphia’s own First Choice, whose music reached audiences across the globe. We knew her first as one of our own.

“She came to Christian Hope as a child with her family and remained a faithful member all her life.

“Even as a world-renowned artist, she always came home. She kept serving and sharing her gift right here in service to the Lord.”

First Choice formed in 1971 and was made up of Fleming, Annette Guest and Wardell Piper.

Their 1977 album Delusions featured Let No Man Put Asunder, which was covered by Mary J Blige for her 1999 album Mary.

First Choice disbanded in 1980 with Fleming embarking on a solo career.