Disco legend Victor Willis is dead

Victor Willis, the frontman of the famous 1970s disco group, Village People, has died at the age of 74.

Willis, who was the lead singer and co-writer of some of the group’s biggest hits, including YMCA, Go West and In The Navy, died on June 30, 2026, after what was described as a short but aggressive illness.

His death was announced on the band’s official Facebook page.

“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People,” the statement said.

“Victor passed on June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”

Willis’ wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed the death in a statement posted on the singer’s own Facebook page.

Born in Texas and raised in San Francisco, Willis began singing gospel music in his father’s Baptist church before moving into jazz, soul and theatre.

He later appeared in stage productions including Hair, Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Wiz.

Willis joined Village People in 1977 after meeting French producer Jacques Morali, who first hired him to sing background vocals on a disco project.

The project later grew into Village People, with Willis becoming the group’s lead singer and one of its most important songwriters.

The group became one of the defining acts of the disco era, known for its energetic performances and members dressed as macho characters, including a policeman, construction worker, soldier, biker and Native American.

Willis often appeared as either a policeman or naval officer.

Village People rose to international fame with albums such as Macho Man, Cruisin’ and Go West.

Their hit song YMCA became one of the most recognisable disco songs in the world and was later inducted into the US Library of Congress National Recording Registry.

Willis left the group in 1980 and later spent years in a legal fight over rights to songs he helped write.

He rejoined Village People in 2017 and continued performing with the group in later years.

In January 2025, Willis performed YMCA with the group at Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration rally.

His death marks the end of a major chapter in disco music history.