Village People lead singer Victor Willis has died at the age of 74.
The Y.M.C.A. hitmakers announced on social media that their lead singer had died on 30 June, the day before his 75th birthday, following “a short but aggressive illness”.
“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People,” they wrote in a short statement. “Privacy is requested.”
His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed the news in a similar statement, saying, “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 request privacy at this time of great loss.”
In addition to fronting the disco band, Willis co-wrote their biggest hits and adopted the persona of a policeman or naval officer for performances.
Willis teamed up with French producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to create Village People in the mid-1970s. Their debut self-titled album was released in 1977, and they found success later that decade with hits including Y.M.C.A., Macho Man, In the Navy and Go West.
Y.M.C.A., which Willis co-wrote, was a worldwide sensation and catapulted the band to stardom in 1978. During that era, the line-up also featured Felipe Rose, Alex Briley, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo and Randy Jones.
Willis left the group briefly in 1980, returned in 1982 and left again in 1983. After a long hiatus, he reunited with the group in 2017. They famously performed Y.M.C.A. at U.S. President Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration rally in January 2025.
Outside of Village People, Willis starred in the original Broadway production of The Wiz in 1976 and released the solo album Solo Man in 2015.
He was married to his The Wiz co-star Phylicia Rashad between 1978 and 1982. He later married lawyer and entertainment executive Karen Huff in 2007.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Mario Casciano
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