Victor Willis, the lead singer and co-writer of the Village People, died on Monday, June 30, 2026, at the age of 74. According to a statement released by the band on Facebook, the singer passed away following a “short but aggressive illness.” Willis, who was one day shy of his 75th birthday, had recently concluded the first leg of a European tour and had planned additional performances throughout the summer.
Musical Legacy and Career Origins
Born in Dallas and raised in San Francisco, Victor Edward Willis began his musical career performing gospel in his dad’s Baptist church. His transition into professional performance eventually led him to Broadway, where he held a role in the production of The Wiz. In the mid-1970s, he partnered with French producer Jacques Morali to form the Village People, a group with hits such as “YMCA,” “Go West,” and “In the Navy.”
Despite the group’s name referencing Manhattan’s Greenwich Village—a neighborhood long associated with gay culture—Willis pushed back on the idea that “YMCA” is a gay anthem, saying people need to “get their minds out of the gutter” and arguing the interpretation is “based solely on the song’s lyrics alluding to [illicit] activity for which it does not.”
Legal Battles and Songwriting Rights
Willis’s relationship with the group was marked by both creative success and legal friction. He departed the band in 1980, leading to a legal battle over songwriting credits. A significant turning point occurred in 2012, when a legal victory allowed Willis to reclaim the rights to some of the group’s songs, including “YMCA,” “Go West” and “In the Navy.” A subsequent jury ruling determined that Willis and Morali were the sole writers of 13 Village People tracks. Willis eventually rejoined the group in 2017, becoming the only remaining original member until his death.
Political Usage of “YMCA”
The global reach of the band’s catalog often placed them in the center of political discourse. In recent years, “YMCA” became an anthem at President Trump’s campaign rallies. This usage created public friction; in 2023, Willis and the group issued a cease-and-desist to the commander in chief after “Macho Man” was played at a Mar-a-Lago event.
The group backed Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle, but they later performed during Trump’s 2025 inauguration at the “MAGA Victory” rally in Washington, D.C. At the time, Willis stated on Facebook that the decision was intended to help “bring the country together” through music following a “tumultuous and divided campaign.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the lead singer of Village People?
Victor Willis was the lead singer and co-writer for the Village People. He dressed as a cop or naval officer while performing for the group.
How long was Victor Willis with the group?
Willis was a founding member of the band in the mid-1970s. He left in 1980 and rejoined in 2017, remaining with the group as the only remaining original member until his death in 2026.
What were the band’s biggest hits?
The group is known for hits including “YMCA,” “Go West,” and “In the Navy,” all of which were co-written by Willis.
To explore more about the history of disco and its cultural impact on 1970s American music, check out our archives on the evolution of dance-pop.
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