Victor Willis, Co-Founder of Village People, Passes Away at 74

Victor Willis, co-founder of the Village People and co-writer of iconic disco hits like “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” has died at the age of 74. The group announced the news of his passing on their official Facebook page, stating the cause was “a short but aggressive illness.”

Beyond his role as a musician, Willis also pursued acting, appearing on Broadway in “The Wiz.” In 1977, he joined forces with producer Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to form the Village People, a group known for its thematic costumes including a biker, construction worker, police officer, cowboy, and Native American chief. Their self-titled debut album was released the same year, quickly followed by the success of “Macho Man” and “Cruisin’” in 1978, the latter featuring the international hit “Y.M.C.A.” that reached No. 2 on the Billboard chart. In 1979, they released “Go West,” which included “In the Navy,” peaking at No. 3.

“Y.M.C.A.” has been recognized as “an American phenomenon” by Congress and was added to the National Recording Registry in 2020. In 2021, it earned a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Willis also starred in the 1980 film “Can’t Stop the Music,” a comedy featuring the Village People directed by Nancy Walker. Despite negative reviews, including critic Rex Reed’s description as “one of the silliest movies ever made,” Village People songs have remained popular at numerous events like weddings and proms.

Former President Donald Trump acknowledged Willis in a social media post, extending condolences to his family and reflecting on the enduring presence of “Y.M.C.A.” at celebrations such as the Fourth of July. Unlike some musicians who objected to their music being used in political contexts, Willis did not view this as an endorsement of Trump.

Born in Texas and raised in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, Willis moved to New York, where the YMCA on West 63rd Street inspired the hit song. Legal battles over song ownership culminated in a 2015 ruling, granting Willis 50% copyright ownership of 13 Village People songs, including “Y.M.C.A.”

Willis overcame personal challenges, including drug-related arrests, and shared in 2012 that his life had turned around. In May, he was the sole original Village People member performing “Happy Birthday” and “Y.M.C.A.” for Secretary of State Marco Rubio in India.