By rockfan (65.238.58.105) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 05:48 pm:

I always liked First Choice. After the 80's, I lost track of them. Are they still performing? Wish they'd record again. And, what's up with The Three Degrees these days?

By Nish (216.148.246.134) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 06:52 pm:

Rockfan, the three degrees (Valerie Holiday, Cynthia Garrison, and Helen Scott) will be performing on the WQED special, Rhythm Love and Soul, this Sunday (am I right on that date, guys?). I was at the taping of the show, and I must say they sounded great. Sheila Ferguson is in England performing in theater and continuing singing from what I read and heard.

By PhillyGroove (152.163.188.68) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 07:16 pm:

From AMG "All Music Guide" ...


The '70s Philly disco vocal group First Choice's first big breakthrough was the infectious "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" (with its urgent "calling all cars!" intro), a Top 20 R&B/Top 30 pop hit in 1973. New attention was brought to the female trio when Mary J. Blige did a faithful cover of their dance classic "Let No Man Put Asunder" in 1999. Lead singer Rochelle Fleming, Joyce Jones, and Chester, PA, native Annette Guest were originally known as the Debonettes and performed around Philadelphia. Radio DJ Georgie Woods introduced them to Philly soul guitarist/songwriter/producer Norman Harris, who produced the debut single "This Is the House Where Loved 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, which was distributed by Bell Records. It was also a Top 20 U.K. hit. The Armed and Extremely Dangerous album was released in fall 1973. For the bulk of their records, First Choice was 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, Part 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.

By Vandelron (152.163.188.68) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 07:20 pm:

The last I heard not too long ago was that Rochelle was performing solo and some of her rcordings have hit the dance charts. After a big court battle the Three Degrees could not use that name in US but could in rest of world so Im pleased they can be on that special which is Sunday.

By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 07:45 pm:

I loved First Choice ! Their version (recorded 1st) of the Stevie Wonder penned "Love Havin' You Around" tops his, IMHO.

By dvdmike (12.84.105.212) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 10:49 pm:

Wardell Piper was an early member of First Choice as was Mulaney Star.

By Promises Kept (12.227.139.195) on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 11:27 pm:

I LOVE First Choice!! And I am such a "Smarty Pants"!!!...........

By Eli (151.197.38.173) on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 10:45 am:

In actually, my late wife GiGi "discovered" First Choice in church along with the 15 year old pianist/writer Bruce Hawes.
She came home one day and raved about them.

Back in '96 I produced a series of sessions
featuring remakes of some Salsoul tracks utilizing Rochelle Flemming redoing all of her classic songs as well as regrouping Double Exposure for the first time in almost twenty years and they did not miss a beat !!

Unfortunately, mr. record company man is still dragging his heels as far as a release is concerned.


TSK TSK TSK!!!!

By dvdmike (12.84.120.92) on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 02:03 pm:

I remember meeting First Choice back in '77 when they visited a record store here in Chicago to do a concert and promote their "Delusions" LP. I can't remember the name of the store, but it was a small store on Wabash in between Adams and Jackson, I believe. I enjoyed meeting them, Rochelle was a real sassy person, I enjoyed our short conversation.