Rochelle Fleming The Queen of House Music
The Queen of House Music Rochelle Fleming !
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
USA
Rochelle Fleming… “It’s Not Over”
It is rare that popular music offers us a voice that resonates with depth and sensuality. It’s even rarer when a voice strikes the heart and soul with music that is not only ahead of its time but stands the test of time. As lead singer of the highly successful R&B trio, First Choice, Rochelle Fleming did just that. With hits like, “Armed & Extremely Dangerous”, “Newsy Neighbors”, “The Player” & “Smarty Pants”, Rochelle became an architect of what would be known as the Philly Soul Sound. As pioneers of the dance music movement of the 70’s, First Choice, lead by Rochelle Fleming, were fixtures on the club circuit. It was the soaring, passionate vocals of Rochelle Fleming & her ability to attack each note with reckless abandon that propelled songs “Dr. Love”, “Love Thang”, “Double Cross” & “Let No Man Put Asunder” (It’s Not Over) into dance club anthems. As the 80’s & 90’s ushered in, Rochelle continued to make her mark on the music scene by lending her powerhouse vocals to numerous Club, Dance, R&B, Pop and Hip Hop songs making her one of the most sampled artist in music history. READ THE CHICAGO HOUSE DJ INTERVIEW WITH ROCHELLE FLEMING !
Who influenced you?
Rochelle: Hmm, very easy! My Mom pushed me to sing. All of my siblings could sing but she singled me out. By the time I was 12 or 13 Aretha Franklin was my biggest influence. She had a strong and powerful voice. Her phrasing was amazing. As I got older it was Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder.
What do you like most about being in the music business?
Rochelle: Wow, I love the traveling. Seeing and being in the different countries and how they accepted and know my music. Guam, South Korea, Japan were just some of the countries. Meeting fans all over the world is another highlight, just overall exposure to different cultures.
Your thoughts on recording with new digital software vs. the old days of having to go into a studio.
Rochelle: I miss the the live instrumentation of the music. Live sounds and there was a lot more creativity in general. With today’s technology, you can stop, and resing a bad note and then continue. Back in the day, we had the sing the first note all the way through the track with accuracy. All of the ad-libs I did with First Choice were all my own creation were from the heart and not rehearsed.
The last song you just listened to?
Rochelle: The entire Gerald Albright CD…(laughs)
Top 5 favorite cuts of ALL TIME?
Rochelle: Goodness, wow, SO MANY. I would narrow it down to Say A Little Prayer- Aretha Franklin, Neither One of Us- Gladys Knight & The Pips, Overjoyed- Stevie Wonder, Superstar- Luther Vandross, Run to You- Whitney Houston
Where have you performed?
Rochelle: *Laughing* Where haven’t I?? *Laughing* Italy, France, New York but if you are want to know venues and clubs, Studio 54, The Roxy, The Shelter, Palladium all the really popular and legendary spots.
Your most memorable night performing?
THE PARADISE GARAGE WITH LARRY LEVAN! Absolutely…*laughing” The crowd would be wrapped around the block twice whenever First Choice performed. It was very overwhelming at times. The first night I performed as a solo artist at the Beacon Theatre was another memorable night. Wow, you are really making me think, Michael!!
If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be?
Rochelle: Hmm, I would say that people would recognize and respect music from other eras.
If you could change one thing about the world you live in, what would it be?
Rochelle: No more hunger, child abuse in all forms, neglect, abandonment and homelessness. I don’t live seeing any human suffer.
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For Booking Information contact:
George “Iz” Correia
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