Victor Willis, lead vocalist and one of the founders of the iconic disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74 after a brief but aggressive illness, as confirmed by the band through a statement on their official social media requesting respect for the family's privacy.
The singer, born in Texas in 1951 and raised in San Francisco, was a key figure in the creation and international success of the group in the 1970s. In addition to his role as the lead voice, he also participated as a composer of some of their biggest hits, including well-known songs like 'YMCA', 'Go West', or 'In The Navy', songs that marked an era in disco music.
Village People became a global phenomenon thanks to their characteristic aesthetic, where each member represented a masculine archetype, such as policemen, sailors, or workers. Willis embodied different of these characters on stage, contributing to the visual identity of the group that made them recognizable worldwide.
After leaving the group in the early 80s, the singer was involved in legal disputes related to the copyright of the songs he had written. Decades later, in 2017, he returned to the group, starting a new chapter that included live performances and the release of the album 'A Village People Christmas' in 2018.
In recent years, Willis returned to the media spotlight after performing YMCA at an event prior to Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025, reigniting the debate about the cultural significance of the song.
The group had recently resumed their live activities, with a series of concerts scheduled in Europe and North America, although it has not been confirmed how this news will affect those dates.
Victor Willis had been married to Karen Huff-Willis since 2007, who also confirmed his passing. The artist leaves behind a decisive career in the history of disco music and in one of the most recognizable groups of the 20th century.