Victor Willis, the lead singer and co-founder of the iconic 1970s disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74. According to a Facebook post by his wife, Willis passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after a short but aggressive illness. No further details about the cause of death were immediately disclosed.
Career and Hits
Willis, who was born in Texas, co-wrote many of the group's signature songs, including the global anthems 'Y.M.C.A.,' 'In the Navy,' and 'Macho Man.' These tracks became defining hits of the disco era in the late 1970s and continue to be widely recognized in pop culture.
Tributes and Legacy
US President Donald Trump paid tribute, stating, 'He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his group’s song, Y.M.C.A., at my rallies. It became a “monster” hit again, 30 years after its original launch.'
Formed in 1977, Village People became one of the most recognizable acts of the disco era, known for their colorful costumes, choreographed performances, and lasting influence on music and pop culture. Willis's death marks the loss of a key figure in disco history.
