Victor Willis, the co-founder and lead singer of the iconic disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74. The Dallas-born musician passed away on Tuesday as a result of a short but aggressive illness, his wife, Karen Huff-Willis, announced on his Facebook page on Wednesday, which would have been his 75th birthday.
"The family request privacy at this time of great loss," she wrote. The band confirmed the news on its own page.
Global Fame with Disco Anthems
The group achieved worldwide fame in the 1970s with hits including "Y.M.C.A.," "Go West" and "In The Navy," which Willis co-wrote. Willis performed on stage with the band dressed as a cop or as a naval officer, becoming an iconic figure of the disco era.
Career Hiatus and Return
Willis left the group twice in the 1980s but rejoined in 2017, just before "Y.M.C.A." became one of Donald Trump's favorite songs to dance to during his 2020 presidential election campaign rallies. Initially, Willis asked Trump to stop using the hit song, but later performed an about-face. The group went on to perform for the returning president in January 2025 as part of his second inauguration festivities.
Latest Release
The group released its latest single, "DISCO STAR," last month, continuing their musical legacy.
