Victor Willis, the founding lead singer of disco legends Village People, has died at the age of 75 following a brief but aggressive illness.
The American musician died on Monday, one day before what would have been his 75th birthday.
His death was confirmed through announcements on both the band’s official Facebook page and by his wife, Karen Huff-Willis.
Mr Willis co-wrote some of the most recognisable songs in popular music history, including the global phenomenon Y.M.C.A., which was released in 1978 and made him an overnight millionaire.
Victor Willis, the founding frontman of Village People, has died aged 75 following a brief illness
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The band has requested privacy following the announcement.
Beyond Y.M.C.A., Mr Willis penned lyrics for the group’s other enduring anthems, including Macho Man, In The Navy and Go West.
He performed as the group’s policeman or naval officer, one of several macho character costumes adopted by the band members.
The Village People emerged in the late 1970s after production company Can’t Stop Productions discovered Willis through a demo tape.
Mr Willis helped turn Y.M.C.A. into one of the most recognisable songs in pop music history
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He recorded the debut album as a solo performer before dancers were recruited to join him on the club circuit.
The group’s name pays tribute to Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, historically the centre of New York’s LGBTQ+ community.
Mr Willis departed from Village People in 1979, just before the group filmed their feature movie Can’t Stop the Music, which became a notorious box office disaster.
Though absent from the screen, he contributed lyrics to two songs in the film: Magic Night and Milkshake.
He briefly returned in 1982 for the album Fox on the Box before leaving again the following year.
After years of legal disputes, Mr Willis secured a landmark victory in 2012, gaining a 33 per cent share of credits for tracks including Y.M.C.A. and In The Navy, later increased to 50 per cent in 2015.
His permanent return came in 2017, when he rejoined as lead vocalist and resumed touring worldwide.
His wife, Ms Huff-Willis, confirmed the devastating news in a statement posted online, expressing “profound sadness” at the loss of her husband.
“Victor passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss,” she wrote.
The couple married in 2007 and lived together in a multi-million-dollar property in San Diego, California.
Fans quickly took to X to pay tribute to the disco icon following the announcement of his death.
One wrote: “Rest in peace, Victor Willis. Your voice and energy defined an era. YMCA will forever be the ultimate anthem of joy and togetherness. Thank you for the soundtrack of our lives.”
The disco legend rose to global fame with Village People during the late 1970s
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Another added: “Sending condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Thank you for the memories. His impact on pop culture was immense. Legends never truly leave—they live on through their music.”
A third commented: “The voice behind YMCA. That song’s gonna be on repeat forever. 74 is way too soon.”
Another fan wrote: “His music will live on forever. A sad day for music fans. Gone, but never forgotten.”