Rochelle Fleming, the lead singer of the Philadelphia R&B and disco group First Choice, died on November 5, 2026, in Philadelphia. Her passing was announced by longtime manager George Iz Correia on behalf of the Fleming-Finney family, bringing renewed attention to her personal life and marriage. Fleming was also known as Rochelle Fleming-Finney, and her husband has been identified as Robert Finney, although independent confirmation of his full identity remains limited.
The singer, whose age was reported as 72, spent more than five decades in the music industry. While her recordings and performances were widely celebrated, Fleming kept much of her family life away from public attention.
Who Was Rochelle Fleming’s Husband Robert Finney?
Robert Finney has been identified as Rochelle Fleming’s husband, although established public biographies and reports about her passing provide few details about him. His profession, personal background, and the couple’s wedding date have not been reliably documented.
Fleming’s use of the surname Fleming-Finney connects her public identity to the Finney family. Her manager also referenced the Fleming-Finney family when announcing her passing, confirming the family’s involvement in the official statement.
Throughout her career, Fleming rarely discussed her marriage in public interviews. Her professional appearances largely centered on First Choice, her solo recordings, and her influence on disco and house music.
There is also no widely verified information about whether Robert Finney and Rochelle Fleming had children together. The family has not publicly provided a detailed account of their domestic life.
Rochelle Fleming’s Family Announces Her Passing
Fleming’s passing was confirmed through a statement shared on her official social media account. Her manager, George Iz Correia, announced that she had died in Philadelphia.
“It is with a heavy heart to share the passing of Rochelle Fleming-Finney,” the announcement stated.
The family also remembered her personal qualities, saying, “She brought light, laughter and love to the world.”
The statement confirmed that arrangements for services celebrating her life would be announced later. No cause of death was disclosed.
Following the announcement, musicians and entertainment figures paid tribute to Fleming. Philadelphia group Sister Sledge acknowledged her contribution to music, while DJ Lenny Fontana remembered her influence on generations of dance music producers.
Rochelle Fleming’s Career With First Choice
Rochelle Fleming began her musical journey in Philadelphia, where she attended Overbrook High School. She formed a vocal group with Annette Guest and Wardell Piper that eventually became First Choice.
The group achieved national recognition with its 1973 single “Armed and Extremely Dangerous.” The recording reached No. 11 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
First Choice subsequently released successful recordings including “Smarty Pants,” “The Player,” “Doctor Love,” “Love Thang,” and “Let No Man Put Asunder.”
The group’s music became particularly influential in disco and house music. “Let No Man Put Asunder” gained renewed popularity through club remixes and was later covered by Mary J. Blige.
After First Choice’s original breakup in 1980, Fleming continued working as a solo performer. Her recordings included “Love Itch,” “Danger!” and “Suffer (The Consequences).”
She remained closely associated with Philadelphia’s musical community and continued to receive recognition for her contributions to R&B and dance music.
Robert Finney and the Fleming-Finney Family
Although Fleming was widely recognized by her professional name, Rochelle Fleming, the surname Fleming-Finney appeared in announcements concerning her personal life.
Robert Finney has been named as her husband, but available public reporting does not establish whether he survived her or provide further details about their marriage.
Fleming also maintained a longstanding connection with Christian Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia. The church remembered her participation in its choir and her continued relationship with the congregation after becoming an internationally recognized performer.
As of November 10, 2026, the Fleming-Finney family had not released further verified information about Robert Finney, the couple’s marriage, or their children. Memorial arrangements remained pending, and the cause of Fleming’s passing had not been publicly announced.
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