Village People’s iconic lead singer di-e-s at 74 as music world mourns the l-o-ss of a disco legend
VILLAGE People frontman Victor Willis has died aged 74 after a “short but aggressive illness.”
The iconic singer, who co-founded the disco group and was the unmistakable voice behind YMCA, passed away on Tuesday, his family and band confirmed.
Village People frontman Victor Willis has passed away at 74Credit: Jam Press
The star (pictured center) died after a short, aggressive illness, his family and band confirmedCredit: Getty
The legendary performer’s death was announced in a brief statement shared by Village People on Facebook.
The band said: “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People. Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”
His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed the heartbreaking news, 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.”
Born Victor Edward Willis in Dallas, Texas, and raised in San Francisco, he first honed his powerful vocals singing gospel music in his father’s Baptist church before pursuing acting and performing on Broadway in The Wiz.
His life changed when he teamed up with French producer Jacques Morali in the mid-1970s to create Village People.
The band’s self-titled debut album arrived in 1977, but it was 1978 smash YMCA that launched them into global superstardom.
Willis co-wrote and sang on a string of disco classics including YMCA, Macho Man, In The Navy and Go West, helping turn Village People into one of the biggest acts of the era.
He left the group in 1980 before later returning to the line-up, eventually becoming the only remaining original member and continuing to tour internationally.
Willis co-wrote and sang on a string of disco classics including YMCA and Macho ManCredit: Getty
Willis was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in San FranciscoCredit: Jam Press
Willis also secured a landmark legal victory in 2012 that allowed him to reclaim rights to some of the band’s biggest songs, including YMCA, Go West and In The Navy, before a jury later ruled he and Morali were the sole writers of 13 Village People tracks.
In recent years, YMCA enjoyed a fresh surge in popularity after being regularly played at President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies and events.
Trump paid tribute to Willis on Truth Social, describing him as a “great and happy guy” who was pleased the president had used YMCA at his rallies.
The president said the disco classic became a “monster” hit again decades after its original release and said he would think of Willis every time the song is played throughout the Fourth of July week.
Willis previously welcomed the renewed attention and praised the financial boost it brought.
He said: “The financial benefits have been great … YMCA is estimated to gross several million dollars since the President Elect’s continued use of the song.
“Therefore, I’m glad I allowed the President Elect’s continued use of YMCA. And I thank him for choosing to use my song.”
At the height of Village People’s success, Willis became an overnight millionaire and once revealed he carried up to $40,000 in cash in his pocket.
He also owned half the copyright to the group’s music, helping build a fortune that endured long after disco’s heyday.
He married Karen Huff-Willis in 2007, and the couple lived together in San Diego, California.
Village People had recently completed the first leg of a European tour in May, with more shows planned in Italy and France later this summer.
