Victor Willis. The lead singer and co-founder of the Village People who helped write the iconic 1978 disco hit “Y.M.C.A.”, has died at 74, while he passed away on June 30, 2026, after a short but aggressive illness, according to a family statement on Facebook. Willis was the last surviving original member of the group, known for its flamboyant costumes and campy personas including a construction worker, a sailor, and a policeman. His death comes just one day before his 75th birthday, as reported by SoulTracks.

From Church Choir to Global Fame

Willis was born in Dallas in 1951 and grew up singing in his father’s Baptist church before transitioning to jazz and soul — As a teenager in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, he performed with his group the Ballads and even opened for the Temptations. According to Stereogum. He later studied at Antioch College in Ohio and performed in Las Vegas in the Broadway musical “Hair” before moving to New York.

His career took off in 1977 when his demo tape reached producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, who were creating dance music under the name Can’t Stop Productions. After hiring Willis for background vocals, they asked him to lead the group that would become the Village People, but the name referred to Greenwich Village in New York City, as noted by Stereogum. The group was built around Willis. With dancers in costume representing macho archetypes to appeal to a gay audience, according to SoulTracks.

The Rise of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ and Other Hits

The Village People broke out in 1978 with a series of disco anthems, including “Y.M.C.A.”, which became a global phenomenon. The song, which Willis co-wrote, celebrates the Young Men’s Christian Association as a place for young men to hang out and enjoy themselves. The song was adopted as an anthem by the LGBTQ+ community and later gained new life as a campaign song for former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to NTV.

“Y.M.C.A.” eventually earned a spot in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and the Grammy Hall of Fame, according to SoulTracks. Other hits like “In the Navy”, “Macho Man”, and “Go West” also became sing-along favorites at gatherings and sporting events. A 1994 version of “Far Away in America” was recorded with the German national football team for the World Cup, as noted by NTV.

Later Life, Legal Battles, and Legacy

Willis left the Village People after the group’s initial success and faced personal and legal challenges. He spent years fighting to reclaim songwriting rights and proper recognition for his contributions, according to SoulTracks. His legal victories came later in his career, highlighting the seriousness behind the camp and spectacle of the Village People’s image.

Donald Trump, who used “Y.M.C.A.” during his political rallies, expressed his condolences on Truth Social, calling Willis a “fröhlicher Kerl” who loved performing for the MAGA crowd. Trump noted that the song, which became a “Monster”-Hit 30 years after its original release, was a key part of his campaign’s energy and appeal, according to rollingstone.de.

Willis is survived by his family and the Village People. The group announced his passing on social media, noting his significant contributions to the band and the music industry. His voice and persona helped shape the disco era and left a lasting mark on pop culture. As one of the most recognizable figures in 1970s music, Willis will be remembered for his powerful vocals, flamboyant style, and the songs that continue to resonate across generations.