Village People Lead Singer Victor Willis Dead At 74

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Victor Willis, the co-founder and lead singer of Village People, at the age of 74. Victor Willis, a Dallas-born musician, passed away on Tuesday following a brief but aggressive illness, as confirmed by his wife, Karen Huff-Willis, on his Facebook page on what would have been his 75th birthday.

“The family request privacy at this time of great loss,” she wrote.

The band also confirmed the news on their official page.

The group rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Y.M.C.A.,” “Go West,” and “In the Navy,” songs that Willis co-wrote. He was known for his iconic performances dressed as a cop or naval officer.

Although Willis left the group twice in the 1980s, he rejoined in 2017, just before “Y.M.C.A.” became a favorite song at Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign rallies.

Initially requesting Trump to stop using the hit song, Willis later performed for the returning president in January 2025, as part of his second inauguration festivities.

In response to Willis’ passing, Trump paid tribute on his Truth Social platform, praising him for his contribution to the rallies.

Trump recalled how the song “Y.M.C.A.” became a massive hit once again and expressed his gratitude for Willis and the group’s support from the beginning.

The group’s latest single, “DISCO STAR,” was released last month.