Victor Willis, co-author of 'Y.M.C.A.' dies and lead singer of the Village People, aged 74

Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People and co-author of 'Y.M.C.A.', dies aged 74
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Victor Willis, lead singer and one of the founders of the musical group Village People, passed away last Tuesday (30), aged 74.
The information was released on the singer's official page on social media, in a message signed by the family.
According to the statement, Willis died as a result of a "short but aggressive" illness. The exact cause of death was not disclosed.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People. Victor passed away on Monday June 30, 2026 from a short but aggressive illness. The family requests privacy at this time of great loss," the post read.
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Who was Victor Willis
Victor Willis was one of the founders of the group Village People and the main vocalist of the original formation of the band, a global disco music phenomenon in the late 1970s.
On stage, he became known for playing the character of a police officer. Although, in different performances, he also wore a sailor costume.
Village People on a recent trip to India.
Reproduction / X
In addition to his remarkable voice, Willis was behind the composition of the band's biggest hits.
He signed, alongside producer Jacques Morali, songs such as "Y.M.C.A.", "Macho Man", "In the Navy" and "Go West", which helped transform Village People into one of the biggest names in pop music at the time.
Willis left the group in 1979, returned briefly in 1984 and left again the following year.
In the following decades, he fought a legal dispute over the copyright of the songs he helped write. In 2017, he officially rejoined Village People.
In recent years, "Y.M.C.A." returned to the center of political debate in the United States when it was adopted as the soundtrack for Donald Trump's rallies during the 2024 presidential campaign.
In January 2025, Willis participated with the Village People in an event held on the eve of the American president's inauguration.
Victor Willis
Reproduction / Social Networks

Source: G1