All photos provided by: George Iz Correia & Rochelle Fleming
First Choice, led by the powerful vocals of Rochelle Fleming, had a significant impact on both R&B and Disco, with many of their songs becoming classics on the Dance music scene. As the founder of the legendary group, Rochelle Fleming had her first hit record, “Armed & Extremely Dangerous,” in 1973, before graduating high school. Not only did she help usher in what is known as the “Philadelphia Sound,” as the lead singer, she put the wheels of the Disco movement in motion, with songs like: “Smarty Pants,” released in 1973, and was their biggest single in the UK, reaching #9 on the charts; “The Player,” another significant R&B and Disco hit from 1974, which became their biggest R&B single, peaking at #7; “Doctor Love,” a major Disco hit from 1977, known for its catchy chorus and Rochelle’s expressive lead vocals; “Love Thang,” a popular Disco track from their 1979 album ‘Hold Your Horses,’ which has been remixed and sampled over the years; “Hold Your Horses,” the title track from their 1979 album, also became a classic in the Disco club scene; and the House music anthem, “Let No Man Put Asunder,” this is arguably their most famous and enduring song, especially in the House music world, and was released in 1977. Its powerful vocals and driving beat have made it a staple for DJs for decades.
Photo provided by: https://www.facebook.com/rochelle.fleming.7
Rochelle Fleming had her first hit record, “Armed & Extremely Dangerous,” in 1973.
“Smarty Pants,” released in 1973, was their biggest single in the UK.
“The Player,” another significant R&B and Disco hit from 1974, became their biggest R&B single.
“Doctor Love,” a major Disco hit from 1977, known for its catchy chorus and Rochelle’s expressive lead vocals.
“Love Thang,” a popular Disco track from their 1979 album, has been remixed and sampled over the years.
“Hold Your Horses,” the title track from their 1979 album, also became a classic in the Disco club scene.
Rochelle’s vocals have been sampled on several Hip Hop, Dance and current House Music tracks, which solidify her status as a House Music icon. Her music has not only been covered by Faith Evans and Mary J. Blige, it has been featured in two Academy Award winning films, “Milk” and “Precious.”
In 2013, Ms. Fleming, then a solo artist, released “I’m Gonna Give it to You,” produced by the Basement Boys. It entered the top 10 on five Traxsource charts, including three # 1’s. In 2015, she rejoined with the Basement Boys and released another Traxsource hit, “Nobody’s Fool.” More recently in July 2025, she released the club anthem, “Balls 2 Bounce,” with 3X Grammy-Nominated DJ and Producer, Terry Hunter of the Chosen Few DJs.
Rochelle has had a career that has spanned five decades and she has received numerous awards from the LGBTQ community, House music community, and The National R&B Music Society. She continues to perform globally. Like she’s always sung, “IT’S NOT OVER!!”
From the soul-stirring heart of the “Philadelphia Sound” to the relentless, four-on-the-floor beat of modern House, the voice of Rochelle Fleming is pure, foundational dance music royalty. As the powerhouse lead singer and founder of the legendary Disco group First Choice (and the deliverer of the iconic ‘Aw shucks… Aquarius’ monologue), Fleming’s legacy isn’t just one of chart hits—it’s the sonic bedrock that Chicago House music was built upon. Now, with a scorching new collaboration, “Balls 2 Bounce,” alongside House titan Terry Hunter, she is set to ignite the Wintrust Arena for his colossal birthday celebration. GO BANG! Magazine sits down with the ultimate dance floor pioneer to discuss her unique vocal fire, the genius of Terry Hunter, and what it truly means to bring the First Choice sound home to the undisputed Mecca of House.
Part 1: Reflecting on First Choice:
GO BANG! Magazine: As the unmistakable voice and founding force of First Choice, you didn’t just contribute to the ‘Philadelphia Sound’—you helped define its very pulse. What are the most electric, defining moments you recall from the era when First Choice was at the zenith of that movement?
Rochelle Fleming: My goodness, there are so many. Meeting and working with Norman Harris and Allen Felder was one of them. I would also say having a hit record when I graduated high school, and then going right to “Soul Train” with the late great Don Cornelius. Those early days were quite exciting, but we were also quite young.
GO BANG! Magazine: Tracks like ‘Let No Man Put Asunder,’ ‘Doctor Love,’ and Love Thang’ aren’t just Disco classics, they are foundational DNA, heavily sampled in the subsequent rise of House and Techno. When did you first become aware that First Choice’s iconic grooves were being repurposed, sometimes decades later, to power these new generations of dance music?”
Rochelle Fleming: Although my vocals were samples for decades, and I continued to tour after First Choice disbanded, it wasn’t until the age of the internet and social media. Social media platforms really made me realize how our music has crossed generations and influenced many music genres. When my ad-libs from, ‘Let No Man Put Asunder’ went viral on TikTok, that’s when I knew. I’m so grateful for it.
GO BANG! Magazine: That’s really great! The famous, spoken-word breakdown in ‘Let No Man Put Asunder’—starting with the legendary line, ‘Aw shucks, honey let me tell you something…’—is one of the most iconic, unforgettable moments in Disco history. Is the rumor true that this entire, brilliant section was an ad-lib, and can you walk us through the moment in the studio when that iconic Aquarius monologue was spontaneously conceived?”
“Let No Man Put Asunder,” this is arguably their most famous and enduring song, especially in the House music world, and was released in 1977.
Rochelle Fleming: You can finally put the rumors to rest. That was all me “rapping” and ad-libbing in the studio. Norman loved my speaking voice and would have me “rap” about whatever the subject matter of the song was. He would play the track, put me in the booth and say, “Go Ro” and I would just take over. There is a lot of that “rap” that didn’t make it to that cut of the single. My ad-libs include what I call, “The Rochelle Yell” from that song alone, that have been sampled by so many artists, producers and DJ’s. It’s an honor.
GO BANG! Magazine: Your vocal delivery is legendary—often described as oscillating between a ‘breathless urgency’ and a fierce, ‘saucy, energetic sensuality.’ What elements—from your earliest musical influences to the high-stakes energy of the Disco era—were instrumental in forging that unique, powerful style that became the voice of First Choice?
Rochelle Fleming: It’s totally a gift from God. I’ve been singing since I could talk. My voice always sounded mature even at an early age. I didn’t take vocal lessons, so I am blessed and I don’t take it for granted.
GO BANG! Magazine: Yes, you are truly blessed. Decades later, the First Choice catalog remains foundational—a continuous source of brilliant hooks, grooves, and vocals heavily sampled by contemporary producers, from House to Hip-Hop. How does it feel to know that your work is not just classic, but is perpetually being remixed, re-imagined, and utilized as the sonic bedrock for today’s music makers and vocalists?
Rochelle Fleming: It’s something I don’t really think about. However, when I meet other artists, producers and DJ’s, they enthusiastically let me know of our contribution to the music. It is really gratifying to still be here and doing what I love. I get my flowers continuously.
Part 2: The New Single “Balls 2 Bounce”
GO BANG! Magazine: Yes, that’s beautiful to be able to get your flowers while you can still smell them. Your powerful new collaboration with Terry Hunter, ‘Balls 2 Bounce,’ is absolutely setting dance floors ablaze and is being hailed as a fresh, empowering anthem! Can you give us a deep dive into the creative chemistry with Terry Hunter and what essential message of empowerment you hope your fans take away from this undeniable new single?
Rochelle Fleming: The vision for this song was initiated by my manager, George Correia. I am so blessed to have a manager who is not only a visionary, but is an excellent lyricist. We wanted to make sure that all of my current music would be a little different from, First Choice. The lyrics truly speak for themselves. It’s ok to remove yourself from situations where you aren’t appreciated or valued. Always have the “Balls 2 Bounce.”
GO BANG! Magazine: I know that’s right! Terry Hunter is an absolute titan in the world of Chicago House music and beyond. What was the specific connection or vision that initially drew you to work with him on ‘Balls 2 Bounce,’ effectively bridging the iconic sound of First Choice with the modern House music movement?”
Rochelle Fleming: My manager and I were having a conversation about recording a new single and we wanted to write and record a lyrically aggressive song. It dawned on us that with me being dubbed as a “House Music Icon,” that I should work with a Chicago-based producer. Terry Hunter was recommended after a conversation my manager had with Chosen Few DJs Wayne Williams. I liked the remix he did for Jennifer Hudson and thought it would be a good collaboration. We were right.
GO BANG! Magazine: Yes, you guys were! Terry Hunter’s work is celebrated for carrying the torch of House and for his incredible production resume. Specifically, what is it about his signature groove, or his skill at weaving classic Soul elements into modern tracks, that you most admire as a fellow trailblazer in Dance music?
Rochelle Fleming: I lovingly refer to him as, “Hunk.” He was so easy to work with and his direction was concise. He was very easy-going and made me feel extremely comfortable.
It was really a smooth recording session. I didn’t realize how much in demand he was, being he had worked with so many amazing artists. But, we finally got to work together. We recorded, “Balls 2 Bounce” at DJ Jazzy Jeff’s house in Philadelphia. He sat in on some of our session, and he was such a sweet man. The whole experience was absolutely wonderful, especially working with Terry.
Part 3: The Upcoming Performance
GO BANG! Magazine: Yea, Terry is a cool brutha. “On Saturday, November 15th, you’ll be gracing the massive stage at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago as a featured performer for Terry Hunter’s birthday celebration—a truly significant event honoring a House music icon. The event, “Not Just Another House Party,” is specifically branded around a genre fusion (House Music, Gospel, Hip Hop, and Soul Poetry/R&B/Soul) event. What does it mean to you, as a Disco pioneer whose music is the foundation of the genre, to stand on that stage and celebrate the culture and the legacy of one of House music’s titans?”
Rochelle Fleming: I am really looking forward to this event and getting an opportunity to work with Terry on such an amazing endeavor. This is such a wonderful concept with so many genre representation at one event.
GO BANG! Magazine: I agree 100%! Terry’s event is really a revolutionary concept. What are you most excited to witness—or be a part of—regarding the cultural fusion and shared, uplifting energy created by uniting these distinct communities on one massive stage?
Rochelle Fleming: I am most excited about meeting and working with the artists. Many of them I am not familiar with or I have never met before. It will truly be something special and I think the audience is really going to love it.
GO BANG! Magazine: I know. Everyone is so excited with anticipation. As a founding voice of the ‘Philadelphia Sound’ that directly inspired House music, performing in Chicago—the undisputed birthplace of the genre—carries tremendous historical weight. What does it truly feel like to bring the foundational First Choice energy back to the city that took your sound and used it to launch a global dance music revolution?”
Rochelle Fleming: My goodness! Well, Chicago has and always will be a place that is so special to me for so many reasons. Every time I perform there, it’s always a new and exciting experience. I just adore my Chicago fans.
GO BANG! Magazine: We love you more! Your performance at Terry Hunter’s birthday event is a huge highlight for the fans. Will your set be a journey that celebrates the monumental First Choice Disco classics, or will you be heavily featuring the high-octane energy of your new House collaborations like ‘Balls 2 Bounce’—or can the crowd expect a perfect fusion of both?
Rochelle Fleming: Well, being that there are so many artists on the show, it will be a very tight and energetic show. It will be full of the hits that Chicago helped make classics. You’ll just have to wait and see.
GO BANG! Magazine: With a phenomenal career spanning the shifts from Disco to House, you’ve witnessed the music industry undergo seismic changes. From the perspective of a true pioneer, what is the single most essential piece of advice you would offer to a young R&B or House artist starting out today, and what, beyond talent, is the real key to maintaining your longevity and creative spark across four decades?
Rochelle Fleming: I think that young artists forget that it’s a business. Understand and educate yourself about the business. Stay true to who you are as an artist. Don’t do anything that you feel isn’t right for you. I would also suggest that you try and surround yourself with positive people, which can be difficult in this business.
GO BANG! Magazine: That’s great advice. Chicago holds the title as the undisputed Mecca of House music, and your work, especially the legendary groove of ‘Let No Man Put Asunder,’ is not just music here—it’s foundational text. As you prepare to stand on that stage, what is the deepest, most profound feeling you take away from knowing that your sound is so profoundly revered and culturally owned by the very city that birthed the global House music revolution?
Rochelle Fleming: It’s amazing and exciting. Like I previously mentioned, because of what the city is known for, I definitely wanted to work with a Chicago-based producer (Terry Hunter) on my current single. I really looked at this project as my gift to not only House music fans, but for Chicago House music fans.
GO BANG! Magazine: That’s wassup!!! As we conclude, you are about to step onto the stage in Chicago, a city that sees you as one of the original, foundational voices of House music. What is the final, heartfelt message you want to share with the devoted fans who have championed the First Choice legacy and continue to keep your music alive and thriving on dance floors across the birthplace of House?”
Rochelle Fleming: I love you all so very much! I want you all to know how grateful I am for all of the love and support you all have given me for over five decades….it’s not over!!!
GO BANG! Magazine: On behalf of Chicago, we thank you and love you back!
That was a truly enlightening conversation, bridging the gap between Disco’s glorious past and House music’s vibrant future. Speaking with Rochelle Fleming wasn’t just an interview; it was a masterclass in musical history, delivered by a voice I—and the entire House music community—have long revered as pure, untouchable royalty. Her journey, spanning from the birth of the “Philadelphia Sound” to her current, commanding return to the dance floor with “Balls 2 Bounce,” is the ultimate testament to artistry and endurance. We at GO BANG! Magazine extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Fleming for sharing her electric memories and essential wisdom. As she prepares to perform in Chicago, the city that worships her voice, we are reminded that true legends don’t fade; they simply evolve, continuing to provide the sonic bedrock for the next revolution. Thank you, Rochelle, for granting us this moment and for forever keeping the dance floor alive. You have just got BANGED! GO BANG!!!
GO BANG! Live!
Don’t just read about this monumental House music moment—be a part of it! This is your chance to witness Rochelle Fleming, Terry Hunter, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Rakim, Yolanda Adams, and a host of other titans blaze a new trail, uniting House, Disco, Gospel, and Hip-Hop on one epic stage. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15, 2025, and join the revolution at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago! Tickets are moving fast for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Secure your spot on the dance floor now:
Click HERE to Purchase Tickets for Terry Hunter’s Birthday Celebration!
What’s good, Lovers of HOUSE? 
