Victor Willis, the original lead singer and a founding member of Village People, has died at 74.
The disco performer, songwriter and longtime voice behind “Y.M.C.A.” died June 30, one day before his 75th birthday.
People reported that Village People confirmed his death on social media, saying Willis had died after a “short but aggressive illness.”
Willis’ wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed the news and asked for privacy for the family.
The Band Asked for Privacy
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The group’s statement identified Willis as the lead singer of Village People and asked fans to respect the family’s privacy after his death. TMZ reported that his exact cause of death was not revealed.
People reported that Willis died after a “short but aggressive illness.” No specific diagnosis has been publicly announced.
Willis Gave Village People Their Voice
Willis was the theatrical frontman of Village People, often performing as the group’s policeman or Navy officer. The group became one of the defining acts of the late-1970s disco era with songs that stayed in public rotation long after disco’s commercial peak.
He was also a songwriter behind the act’s biggest hits. People reported that Willis co-wrote “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” “Go West” and “In the Navy.”
The Associated Press reported that Willis performed on Broadway before forming Village People in 1977 with producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo.
He Later Fought for His Songwriting Rights
Willis left Village People in 1980, but his connection to the group’s catalog remained central to his career. Years later, he became involved in a major copyright fight over songs he had helped write.
The Library of Congress described Willis as the lead singer and songwriter for Village People and noted that “Y.M.C.A.” had been added to the National Recording Registry.
AP reported that Willis secured 50% U.S. copyright ownership for 13 Village People songs after a years-long fight over the group’s music. Willis returned to Village People in 2017 and resumed performing with the group.
“Y.M.C.A.” Became Bigger Than Disco
Willis’ most famous song, “Y.M.C.A.,” outlived the disco era that created it. The track became a fixture at parties, sporting events, weddings and public celebrations.
The Library of Congress added “Y.M.C.A.” to the National Recording Registry in 2020, recognizing the song’s cultural and historical significance.
AP reported that “Y.M.C.A.” reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
His Final Months Included More Performances
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People reported that Willis and Village People had recently completed the first leg of a European tour before traveling to New Delhi, India, for an America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The group also performed “Y.M.C.A.” for Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s birthday in May, according to People.
At the time of his death, Willis was still performing with Village People and remained the only original member in the group, People reported.