Following the passing of Victor Willis on Monday (6.29,) Donald Trump paid tribute to Village People frontman.
Taking to social media on Wednesday (7.01,) the Village People confirmed Willis’ death one day prior to his 75th birthday following “a short but aggressive illness”.
Expressing his fondness for the legendary disco group, the US President took to his Truth Social media platform to remember the star, with:
“Village People singer Victor Willis is dead at 74.” “He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies. It became a ‘monster’ hit, again, 30 years after its original launch.” “Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set – The crowds were, and are, enormous – But Victor and the group was there for us right from the beginning! They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song.”
Adding that Willis would be remembered every time ‘Y.M.C.A.’ was played, the 80-year old politician said “My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
After becoming a fixture at Trump’s rallies and campaign events, ‘Y.M.C.A.’ enjoyed a resurgence, though Willis, who co-wrote the disco anthem, previously initially objected to its use by the campaign. However, after the president’s team obtained a political use license from rights organization BMI, Victor chose not to withdraw permission.
In his 2024 Facebook post, the iconic singer/songwriter penned “I simply didn’t have the heart to prevent his continued use of my song in the face of so many artists withdrawing his use of their material.” And, in a follow up social media post, the musician said the song had “benefited greatly” from its association with the campaign, adding that it “finally made it to #1 on a Billboard chart after over 45 years”.
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Author: Saul Goode