First Choice didn’t just sing. They powered dancefloors and defined an era of soulful, funky, and floor-filling music. From their early days in Philadelphia to disco dominance in the late ’70s, this all-female trio delivered one club anthem after another.
With hits like “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” “Doctor Love,” and “Let No Man Put Asunder,” they helped shape the sound of disco and influenced generations of dance music artists. Even after their disbandment in the 1980s, First Choice’s tracks continued to be sampled, remixed, and revered in clubs worldwide.
| Group Name | First Choice |
|---|---|
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Genres | Philadelphia Soul, R&B, Pop, Disco |
| Years Active | 1971–1984 (with later reunions) |
| Labels | Scepter, Philly Groove, Warner Bros., Gold Mind, Salsoul |
| Best-Known Songs | “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” “Doctor Love,” “Let No Man Put Asunder” |
| Notable Members | Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest, Joyce Jones, Ursula Herring |
| Highest Charting Album | Delusions (1977) – #103 on Billboard 200 |
| Dance Music Influence | Sampled by house and techno artists; foundational to dance music evolution |
Forming First Choice
First Choice was formed in 1971 in Philadelphia. Originally called the Debonettes (or Debronettes, according to some sources), the founding trio included Rochelle Fleming, Joyce Jones, and Annette Guest. They performed locally and caught the attention of radio DJ Georgie Woods, who introduced them to producer Norman Harris.
Harris, a prominent figure in the Philly soul scene, quickly recognized their talent. He co-wrote and produced their first single, “This Is the House Where Love Died,” which was released in 1972 on Scepter Records. Although it received local radio play, it didn’t make a national impact.
Breaking Through with “Armed and Extremely Dangerous”
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The turning point came in 1973. Working with Harris and songwriter Allan Felder, the group recorded “Armed and Extremely Dangerous” for the Philly Groove label. The song became their breakthrough hit, reaching:
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#28 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#11 on the Billboard R&B chart
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#16 on the UK Singles Chart
Its success helped launch their debut album of the same name. Though the album peaked modestly at #184 on the Billboard 200 and #55 on the R&B album chart, it marked their arrival as a major act.
The tight, funky backing came courtesy of MFSB, the legendary house band of Philadelphia International Records. With Norman Harris on guitar, Ron Baker on bass, and Earl Young on drums, the music behind First Choice had professional polish and infectious groove.
More Early Hits
First Choice followed up their debut with more singles on Philly Groove, including:
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“Smarty Pants” – #56 pop, #25 R&B, #9 UK
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“Newsy Neighbors” – #97 pop, #35 R&B
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“The Player (Part 1)” – #71 pop, #7 R&B
By the mid-’70s, First Choice leaned further into dance-oriented material. Their 1976 dance medley — “First Choice Theme,” “Ain’t He Bad,” and “Are You Ready for Me?” — became their first Top 10 on the dance chart, reaching #7.
Their second album, The Player (1974), performed better than their debut, climbing to #143 on the Billboard 200 and #36 on the R&B chart.
Warner Bros. Era and Lineup Changes
In 1976, First Choice moved to Warner Bros. Records. Their first single with the label, “Gotta Get Away (From You Baby),” reached the Top 20 on the dance chart.
They released one album under Warner Bros., So Let Us Entertain You, which peaked at #53 on the R&B albums chart. Around this time, Joyce Jones left the group and was replaced by Ursula Herring.
Although they didn’t score a massive hit during this phase, the group maintained their presence on the charts and on dancefloors.
The Gold Mind/Salsoul Era and “Doctor Love”
In 1977, producer Norman Harris launched Gold Mind Records, distributed by the disco-focused Salsoul Records. First Choice was among the first acts signed to the new label.
Their first Gold Mind release was “Doctor Love,” written by Harris, Felder, and future Temptations singer Ron Tyson. The single became one of their most iconic tracks:
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#41 on Billboard Hot 100
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#23 on the R&B chart
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#8 on the Dance chart
Their third album, Delusions, followed later that year. It became their most successful LP, reaching #103 on the Billboard 200. Oddly, it didn’t chart on the R&B albums list.
Critics and fans praised Delusions as the group’s strongest work. Lead singer Rochelle Fleming stood out for her commanding vocals that worked across disco, soul, and pop styles.
Final Years and Lasting Tracks
First Choice released their fourth album, Hold Your Horses, in 1979. The title track became a cult favorite among disco collectors and DJs. Around this time, Ursula Herring exited and was replaced by Debbie Martin.
Their most enduring legacy, however, may be “Let No Man Put Asunder.” Though it wasn’t a major chart hit upon release, it became a global dancefloor favorite—especially in the UK. It’s been sampled and remixed numerous times.
Mary J. Blige covered the song in 1999 for her album Mary, further cementing its influence.
Disbandment and Reformation
First Choice disbanded in 1984 as disco’s popularity faded and Salsoul shifted to other media ventures. But their music didn’t disappear.
In 1987, Rochelle Fleming re-formed First Choice with new members, including her cousin Laconya Fleming. Rochelle also pursued a solo career into the 1990s.
Influence on Dance and House Music
First Choice’s impact stretched beyond the charts. They became foundational to house, garage, and techno music scenes. Producers frequently sampled their vocals and grooves:
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“Let No Man Put Asunder” is among the most-sampled dance tracks of all time.
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“Doctor Love” continues to appear in remixes and DJ sets.
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Their harmonies and style influenced female vocal groups that followed.
House legends like Frankie Knuckles, Masters at Work, and Todd Terry have all paid tribute to the group’s influence in their own music.
Final Thoughts
First Choice brought power, polish, and passion to disco and soul music. Their ability to move between genres—while always sounding unmistakably like themselves—earned them hits and longevity few others achieved.
From their Philly roots to international dancefloor fame, the trio left behind a legacy that continues to echo in clubs and playlists today.
They weren’t just a vocal group. They were a first choice for DJs, dancers, and fans who craved music with heart, rhythm, and lasting energy.