Victor Willis, co-founder and original lead singer of the disco group Village People from the 1970s, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74, as confirmed by the band and his wife.
The Village People announced on their official Facebook page that Willis succumbed to a “short but aggressive illness.” He was known for co-writing hits like “YMCA,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” as reported by Variety.
“We are profoundly sad to announce the passing of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People,” the group shared. They also requested privacy during this time.
His wife, Karen Huff Willis, confirmed the news on Facebook, expressing her deep sadness. She stated, “It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, VICTOR WILLIS. Victor passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, as a result of a short but aggressive illness. The family requests privacy at this time of great loss.”
Willis grew up in San Francisco and sang in his father’s church before later moving to New York. He participated in various plays and musicals, including “The Wiz” on Broadway in 1976.
His journey with Village People began in 1977, after he crossed paths with French disco producer Jacques Morali. Following an appearance on “American Bandstand,” they brought together the full ensemble, which included recognizable characters like a cop, a cowboy, and a construction worker. For the iconic song “YMCA,” released in 1978, Willis often dressed as a cop.
Although he left the group in 1979 to pursue a solo career, he later rejoined Village People in 2017, which reportedly led to some tensions with past members. The song “YMCA” experienced a resurgence in popularity when President Donald Trump started playing it at his campaign rallies in 2020.
In December 2024, Willis remarked on Facebook about receiving numerous complaints regarding Trump’s use of the song since then. He reflected that he found it amusing, stating he didn’t have the heart to stop Trump and instructed his French partners to hold off on legal action.
Willis also contested the idea that “YMCA” is a gay anthem, describing it as a “false assumption.” He explained that while his writing partner was gay and some members of Village People identified as gay, the song’s message shouldn’t be reduced to that context.
He reiterated, “This assumption is also based on the fact that the YMCA was apparently being used as some sort of gay hangout. To that I say once again, get your minds out of the gutter. It is not.”
Willis and his bandmates performed the song at a rally prior to Trump’s second inauguration in 2025.
In response to Willis’ passing, Trump expressed his condolences in a post on TRUTH Social, noting, “We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group; Victor Willis will be sorely missed. God Bless Him.”
