Village People co-founder Victor Willis, whose commanding voice was behind some of disco’s most popular hits such as “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” has died at the age of 74.
The music group announced news of his death in a Facebook post on June 30, saying Willis died following a “short but aggressive illness.” His wife, Karen Huff Willis, issued a similar statement and requested privacy on behalf of their family at this time.
President Donald Trump also paid tribute to Willis in Truth Social post, expressing gratitude for the group’s longstanding support at his campaign rallies and use of a “great and uplifting song.”
“He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies. It became a ‘monster’ hit, again, 30 years after its original launch,” Trump wrote on Wednesday.
“We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!”
Born in 1951 in Dallas, Willis developed an early passion for music while attending church, then broke into the entertainment industry by moving to New York to pursue an acting career.
He appeared on Broadway’s “The Wiz” and other stage productions before joining French producer Jacques Morali in founding the six-member disco group Village People in 1977.
That same year, the group recorded their self-titled debut album, with Willis leading the charge as their original lead singer and co-writing major hits, including “Y.M.C.A,” “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” and “Go West,” among others. Together they sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
“Y.M.C.A,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1979, becoming an international anthem that has remained a fixture at sporting events, celebrations, and public gatherings for decades. The song was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry.
