Event Appearance
- 2022: 15th Classic R&B Weekend
- 2025: Maurice Watts Classic R&B Music Festival
First Choice
Biography
R&B trio First Choice — Rochelle Fleming, Joyce Jones, and Annette Guest — were originally known as the Debonettes and performed around Philadelphia. Radio DJ Georgie Woods introduced the group to Philly soul guitarist/songwriter/producer Norman Harris, who produced First Choice’s debut single, “This Is the House Where Love Died,” which received airplay in Philly and other markets but failed to chart nationally. Their next single, the Harris-produced “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” was their first big hit, going to number 11 R&B in early 1973 for Stan Watson’s Philly Groove label. It was also a Top 20 U.K. hit. The Armed and Extremely Dangerous album was released in fall 1973. On this set — as well as the bulk of their other releases — First Choice were backed by the tight rhythm section of guitarist Harris, bassist Ron Baker, and drummer Earl Young, who were part of MFSB, the house band for Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. The next single, “The Player, Pt. 1,” was their highest-charting R&B single, hitting number seven R&B in summer 1974, though the group enjoyed many high-charting hits on Billboard’s disco charts. The Player, the group’s second album was issued in fall 1974 and reached number 36 on the R&B chart.
