Victor Willis, celebrated as the lead vocalist of the 1970s disco group Village People, has passed away at the age of 74. Willis died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after battling a brief but severe illness, as confirmed by a statement from his band.
The statement, released on the band’s official Facebook page, expressed their profound sadness over the loss. It requested privacy for his family and close ones during this difficult time.
Willis was born in Texas and was a co-founder of the Village People. He served as the original lead singer and contributed to writing numerous songs for the band. He was particularly recognized for his on-stage persona, often dressing as a policeman, including in the band’s iconic hit single, YMCA.
In 1979, Willis departed from the group to pursue a solo career. His contributions to the music and image of the Village People left a lasting impact on disco music and popular culture.
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