Village People Frontman Victor Willis Passes Away at 74, Leaving a Legacy of Disco Hits

Victor Willis, the co-founder and lead singer of Village People, has died at 74.

His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, announced his death on Facebook, citing a “short, but aggressive illness.” This announcement came on what would have been his 75th birthday.

The band confirmed the news on its own page.

Willis was instrumental in the group’s rise to fame during the 1970s with chart-topping hits like “Y.M.C.A.,” “Go West,” and “In the Navy,” all of which he co-wrote.

Onstage, he often donned costumes as a cop or naval officer, embodying the flamboyant spirit of the disco era.

He left the group twice in the 1980s but made a comeback in 2017, just before “Y.M.C.A.” became a staple at Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign rallies.

Initially, Willis requested Trump to stop using the song, but later reversed his stance. The group performed for Trump during his second inauguration festivities in January 2025.

Trump paid tribute to Willis on his Truth Social platform, calling him “a great and happy guy who loved that I used his group's song, YMCA, at my Rallies.”

Trump noted that the song became a “monster” hit again, three decades after its original release. He mentioned that many artists wanted to join the rallies after record attendance numbers were set.

“Victor and the group were there for us right from the beginning!” Trump stated. “They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song.”

Trump expressed his condolences to Willis’ family and remarked that he would be remembered every time “Y.M.C.A.” is played, especially during the July Fourth celebrations.

The group released its latest single, “DISCO STAR,” last month.