First Choice: The Pioneers of Philadelphia Soul and Disco

First Choice is an American vocal group that emerged from Philadelphia in the early 1970s. They are celebrated for their dynamic blend of soulful harmonies and driving disco rhythms, achieving significant club and chart success with tracks like "Armed and Extremely Dangerous."

Early career

Formed in Philadelphia, the original lineup featured vocalists Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest, and Joyce Jones. The group was discovered by pioneering Philadelphia soul producers and songwriters Norman Harris, Ron Tyson, and Allan Felder, who helped shape their early sound and secured their first recording contract.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough came with the 1973 release of "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" on the Philly Groove label. This track became a massive hit on the burgeoning disco scene, showcasing their powerful vocals over a relentless, orchestrated groove and establishing them as dance floor favorites.

Key tracks

Armed and Extremely Dangerous - This 1973 single became their signature song, a disco anthem defined by its dramatic strings, driving beat, and Rochelle Fleming's commanding lead vocal.

Smarty Pants - Another early Philly Groove release that solidified their reputation for catchy, uptempo soul with a distinct disco flair.

Doctor Love - A later hit from 1977 that demonstrated their seamless transition into the peak disco era, featuring on their album "Delusions."

Let No Man Put Asunder - A soaring, emotionally charged dance classic that has been heavily sampled and remixed, most famously by Frankie Knuckles.

The Player (Part 1) - A funky, narrative-driven track from 1977 that highlights the group's versatility and strong songwriting collaborations.

Throughout the mid-to-late 1970s, First Choice released a series of successful albums including "The Player" and "Hold Your Horses" on the Gold Mind label, a subsidiary of Salsoul Records. Their music, often produced by the Philadelphia International team, was a staple in clubs and on R&B radio. While the group experienced lineup changes over the years, with Rochelle Fleming being the most constant member, their classic recordings have endured.

Fans of the lush, orchestrated sound of First Choice should also explore the work of similar Philadelphia acts. The Three Degrees also mastered the blend of soul and disco with polished harmonies. The Stylistics represent the smoother, romantic side of the Philly soul sound. For another iconic female group from the disco era, listen to The Weather Girls, known for their powerful anthems. The driving, producer-led disco of Inner Life also shares a musical kinship with First Choice's biggest hits.

The vibrant sound of First Choice continues to energize playlists on classic soul and disco radio stations, as well as specialty shows dedicated to dance music history. Their anthems remain essential listening for anyone exploring the foundations of club culture.

The music of First Choice can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the timeless disco and soul of this iconic group through the radio stations available on onairium.com.