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.
After they switched to Warner Bros., First Choice charted with "Gotta Get Away (From You Baby)" in spring 1976 and "Let Him Go" in fall 1976, and they released an LP, So Let Us Entertain You (number 53, R&B). Around 1977, Joyce Jones left the group and was replaced by Ursula Herring. The following year, Norman Harris formed Gold Mind Records, which was distributed by dance label pioneer Salsoul Records. First Choice signed with Gold Mind and their first release for the label, the ultra-catchy "Doctor Love," went to number 23 R&B in summer 1977. Delusions followed that fall; generally regarded as the trio's best LP, it featured lyrically rich dance tunes as well as luscious ballads and gave Philadelphia native Fleming her best showcase yet, displaying one of the most distinctive lead vocalists in soul/dance/pop music. Their next Gold Mind LP, Hold Your Horses, was released in March 1979, with the title track becoming a disco classic. That same year, Debbie Martin replaced Ursula Herring. Around 1983, Salsoul ceased operations to focus on the emerging home video market by starting their First Choice Video division, and the following year, the trio split. In 1987, Fleming re-formed a version of First Choice with her cousin Laconya Fleming and Lawrence Cottel, who recorded a single for Prelude Records, "Love Itch." In the '90s, Rochelle Fleming continued to record in the U.S. and Europe.
The Three Degrees:
Philly soul vocal group the Three Degrees started in 1963 in Philadelphia, PA. They were discovered by producer and songwriter Richard Barrett. Barrett was a key force for 1950s groups the Chantels, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, and his own group the Valentines. The original lineup was Fayette Pickney, Shirley Porter, and Linda Turner. Barrett recorded this lineup on their first single, "Gee Baby (I'm Sorry)." In 1963, Linda Turner and Shirley Porter left the group and were replaced by Helen Scott and Janet Jones. Around this time, Barrett began managing and producing Sheila Ferguson who was a high school friend of Scott. Barrett got deals for both the group and Ferguson with Swan Records. By 1966, Helen decided to leave the group and become a housewife. Sheila Ferguson took her place. She sang backup on all the Three Degrees' Swan recordings, as did the Three Degrees for her solo singles. In 1967, Valerie Holiday joined the group, while Janet Jones departed. Over the next four years, both the Three Degrees and Ferguson released many singles.
In 1970, now signed to Roulette Records, the Three Degrees scored their first national chart hit with a remake of the Chantels' "Maybe". It went to number four R&B in summer 1970. The follow-up, "I Do Take You," peaked at number seven R&B. Barrett got the group short-term deals with Warner Bros., Metromedia, and Gamble & Huff's Neptune Label. The group had a cameo in the classic 1971 movie The French Connection starring Gene Hackman and toured with Engelbert Humperdink. In 1973, Barrett worked a deal with Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records (PIR). The Three Degrees' first PIR single was "Dirty Ol' Man," a disco hit. A short time later, Don Cornelius, producer and host of TV's Soul Train, approached Gamble & Huff about coming up with a new theme song for his hit syndicated show. The Three Degrees were asked to do vocals at the end of the show's new theme track. After some airings, public demand forced the TV show's theme to be released as a single. "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" by MFSB featuring the Three Degrees went gold hitting number one R&B and holding the number one pop for two weeks during spring 1974. Meanwhile, a previously released Three Degrees single, "Year of Decision," stalled at number 74 R&B. Another MFSB/Three Degrees single, "Love Is the Message," peaked at number 42 R&B in the summer of that year. In the summer of 1974, PIR released another single on the group, "When Will I See You Again." The single went platinum, selling over two million copies, going to number four R&B and number two pop around September 1974. Their PIR debut album, The Three Degrees, was released at the end of 1974. The follow-up, "I Didn't Know," written and produced by Bunny Sigler, went to number 18 R&B in early 1975. The group performed the song on a guest appearance on the hit NBC show Sanford and Son. Their only other charting PIR single was "Take Good Care of Yourself" (number 64 R&B in summer 1975).
Around 1976, Pickney left the group and was replaced by returning member Helen Scott. CBS released their album Standing up for Love in the U.S. in 1977. In 1978, the Three Degrees were signed to European label Ariola Records. The group recorded three LPs for the label. Longtime favorites in the U.K., the group performed at Buckingham Palace for Prince Charles' 30th birthday party and they were guests at his wedding to Princess Diana. During the first half of the '80s, the Three Degrees released U.K.-issued albums, Album of Love and Live in the UK and singles, "Liar" and "A Sonnet to Love." Stock/Aitken/Waterman produced a 1985 U.K. chart hit, "The Heaven I Need," on the group for Supreme Records. In 1986, Sheila Ferguson left the group. With Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday, and Victoria Wallace, the group recorded an album for Ichiban Records, ...And Holding! The act recorded another live CD with Billy Paul and Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes during a TSOP tour in the summer of 1989. Scott, Holiday, and new member Cynthia Garrison recorded three albums in the 1990s.
