First Choice (group) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Choice
Background information
Origin	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres	Soul, R&B, disco
Years active	1971–1984 2014–present
Labels	Philly Groove, Gold Mind, Warner Bros. Records, Salsoul
Members	Rochelle Fleming Annette Guest Wardell Piper Joyce Jones Ursula Herring Debbie Martin

First Choice was a popular American girl group from Philadelphia. They started as a vocal music trio. They were known for their R&B and disco hit songs. Some of their famous songs include "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", "Smarty Pants", and "Doctor Love". The group signed with several record labels like Philly Groove Records, Gold Mind, and Salsoul.

Career Highlights

The group began singing in high school. They were called the Debonettes at first. The original members were Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest, Wardell Piper, and Malanie McSears. They performed in clubs around Philadelphia after school.

A radio DJ named Georgie Woods introduced them to record producer Norman Harris. Harris helped them record their first song, "This Is the House Where Love Died". This song didn't become a national hit. However, it was played a lot in Philadelphia and in dance clubs across the U.S.

Their next song, "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", became a big hit. It reached the top 11 on the R&B charts in early 1973. It also made it into the top 20 in the UK. Before their first album came out, Wardell Piper left the group to start a solo career. Joyce Jones joined the group to replace her.

Their success helped First Choice appear on popular TV shows. These included Dinah, Soul Train, and American Bandstand. More R&B hits followed. "Smarty Pants" reached number 25 on the R&B charts. It was also their biggest UK hit, reaching number 9. Other hits included "Newsy Neighbors" and "The Player". "The Player" was their biggest R&B hit, reaching number 7.

In 1976, the group changed record labels. They moved to Warner Brothers Records. Joyce Jones left the group, and Ursula Herring joined. At Warner's, they recorded dance songs like "Gotta Get Away From You Baby" and "Ain't He Bad". The album title song was "So Let Us Entertain You".

In 1977, the trio changed labels again. They signed with Goldmine Records, which was run by their producer, Norman Harris. Here, they had their biggest dance hit, "Doctor Love". This song was from their album, Delusions. Many critics thought this was their best album.

Their next album, Hold Your Horses, came out in March 1979. Ursula Herring left the group, and Debbie Martin became a new member. This album had dance hits like "Love Thang" and "Double Cross".

The group officially stopped performing together in 1980. But in 1983, Sal-Soul Records released "Let No Man Put Asunder". This song was from their 1977 album, Delusions. It became a huge dance hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard dance chart. It is still a very popular song in the house music scene today.

After the group disbanded, Rochelle Fleming continued to sing on her own. Annette Guest became a successful songwriter. She wrote songs for other artists, like Stephanie Mills.

Today, original members Annette Guest and Ursula Herring still perform as The First Choice. They are joined by Andre Jackson.

Influence and Reunions

Performing at the 2014 Salsoul reunion show

First Choice had a big impact on early house and techno music. Many artists used parts of their songs, called sampling. For example, artists like Todd Terry and The Jungle Brothers sampled their 1977 song, "Let No Man Put Asunder". Famous singer Mary J. Blige also covered this song on her 1999 album, Mary.

On August 6, 2014, First Choice had a special reunion concert. It took place in New York City. Original members Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest, Wardell Piper, and Ursula Herring performed together. Many other artists from their old record label, Salsoul Records, also joined the show. The group still performs today, but Rochelle Fleming is no longer with them. In 2019, rapper J. Cole sampled their song "Wake Up to Me" in his song "Middle Child."

Members Timeline

Discography

Studio Albums

Compilation Albums

• The Best of the First Choice (1976, Kory)
• Greatest Hits (1992, Salsoul)
• Philly Golden Classics (1994, Collectables)
• The Best of First Choice (1994, Southbound)
• Greatest Hits (1996, The Right Stuff)
• The Best of First Choice (1997, Charly)
• The Best of First Choice: Armed & Extremely Dangerous (1999, Philly Groove)
• The Ultimate Club Collection (2001, Philly Groove/The Right Stuff/Capitol/EMI)
• The Anthology (2005, Suss'd)
• The Greatest Hits: It's Not Over (2006, Koch)
• The Best of First Choice (2007, Metro Doubles)

Singles

See also

In Spanish: First Choice para niños