Victor Willis, the lead singer and co-founder of the iconic disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74. He passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after a short but aggressive illness, according to announcements from the band and his wife on Facebook.
Co-Writer of Disco Anthems
Willis co-wrote some of the group's biggest hits, including 'Y.M.C.A.,' 'In the Navy,' and 'Macho Man.' The band's Facebook post stated, 'We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People.' His wife, Karen Huff Willis, issued a similar statement on his official page.
Willis, who would have turned 75 on the day of the announcement, co-founded Village People in 1977 after accepting an invitation from producer Jacques Morali and his business partner Henri Belolo. According to the band's website, Morali told Willis, 'I had a dream that you sang lead vocals on an album I produced, and it went very, very big… I'll make you a star.'
From Cop to Pop Culture Phenomenon
Willis portrayed the 'cop' and 'admiral' characters within the group, which became famous for its theatrical costumes and over-the-top choreography. The group targeted disco's large gay audience with characters like cowboys, bikers, and soldiers. An early ad seeking members read: 'Macho Types Wanted for World-Famous Disco Group — Must Dance and Have a Moustache.'
Willis left the group in 1979 to pursue a solo career. He later reunited with Village People in 2017 after winning a copyright lawsuit that allowed him to reclaim part-ownership of some of the group's biggest hits. Between his departure and reunion, he struggled with drug addiction and took a plea deal for cocaine possession in 2006.
'Y.M.C.A.' and Political Controversy
'Y.M.C.A.' became an anthem for the LGBTQ community and later a fixture at rallies for U.S. President Donald Trump, who developed a trademark dance to the song. Willis initially considered asking Trump to stop using the song, calling it 'a nuisance.' However, he later changed his mind, saying Trump appeared 'having a lot of fun with it' and that the 'financial benefits have been great.'
The band performed 'Y.M.C.A.' at a pre-inauguration rally in January 2025. Willis said, 'Let's give President Trump a chance… Let's see what he's going to do moving forward and if he does things to restrict LGBTQ rights, Village People will be the first to speak out.' He also called it a 'false assumption' that the song was written as a gay anthem, explaining the lyrics were based on his experiences with the YMCA in San Francisco.
Legacy and Recognition
'Y.M.C.A.' was added to the National Recording Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020. Willis is survived by his wife and family. The group's statement concluded with gratitude for fans worldwide.
