Village People lead singer Victor Willis, known for co-writing the iconic disco hit “Y.M.C.A.” and serving as the group’s “cop” character, has died at the age of 74 or 75, according to conflicting reports from multiple sources. The disco group confirmed the death on June 30, 2026, through a statement on its social media accounts; According to the group, Willis passed away after a “short but aggressive illness.”

Early Life and Career

Born in Texas in 1951. Victor Willis began singing in his father’s church choir and later trained in New York, but he was discovered by arranger Horace Ott during a production of The Wiz, who recommended him to producer Jacques Morali. Morali pitched Willis on a new musical project with the promise: “I have four songs, I can’t pay you much now, but if you accept, I will make you a star.” Willis agreed, and the rest is history.

The first four songs he recorded,“San Francisco (You’ve Got Me),” “In Hollywood (Everyone’s a Star),” “Fire Island,” and “Village People”—were released on the band’s debut album in 1977. The success of that album led to the formation of the Village People as a full group, with Willis as the lead singer and primary songwriter.

Legacy and Controversies

Willis’s most notable contributions include co-writing “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” all of which became global hits — the group’s colorful, costumed performances made them a staple of 1970s disco culture, with Willis typically dressed as a police officer. The band remained active in various forms, with Willis leaving in 1979 to pursue a solo career before returning in 2017.

Willis also faced legal challenges. Winning a court case in 2012 to secure rights to songs like “Y.M.C.A.” and “In the Navy.” His return to the group in 2017 coincided with renewed public attention due to the band’s association with Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. Village People performed at the inauguration rally for Trump’s second term, sparking controversy among LGBTQ+ fans. The band’s name and songs. Particularly “Y.M.C.A.,” are often seen as LGBTQ+ anthems, a label Willis disputed in 2024, saying people needed to “get their thinking out of the gutter.”.

Death and Tributes

Following Willis’s death, the band issued a statement expressing profound sadness and requesting privacy for the family and band members. His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also issued a statement through social media, confirming the illness and calling the loss “shattering.”

There are discrepancies in the reports regarding Willis’s age at the time of his death. Some sources, including the band and German media, stated he was 75, while others, including Spanish outlets, reported he was 74. According to some biographies, Willis was born on July 1, 1951, meaning he would have turned 75 the day after his death.

Willis’s legacy remains firmly rooted in the history of disco and pop culture, with his songs continuing to resonate across generations. His contributions to Village People and the music world will be remembered as a key part of the genre’s golden era.