Victor Willis, the voice behind the legendary disco group Village People and their iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.,” passed away, according to statements from both his wife and the band on Facebook. He was 74 years old. Willis’ wife, Karen-Huff Willis, shared the sad news, announcing that he died on June 30, 2026, following a swiftly progressing illness.
Originating from Texas, Willis co-founded the Village People and contributed to writing famous songs like “Y.M.C.A.,” “In the Navy,” and “Macho Man.” These tracks became staples on dancefloors worldwide in the late 1970s. The band’s extravagant costumes and performances made them a cultural phenomenon, engaging disco’s substantial LGBTQ fanbase through characters portraying construction workers, bikers, cowboys, and soldiers.
Willis parted ways with the group in 1980 but made his return in 2017. He struggled with drug addiction over the years and had legal troubles, including a plea deal for cocaine possession in 2006. Reflecting on his past, Willis admitted to the San Diego Union Tribune in 2015 that his difficulties led him to fall into substance use.
The song “Y.M.C.A.,” encouraging “young men” to visit the Young Men’s Christian Association, grew into an anthem for the LGBTQ community. Despite this, the song gained attention for its association with right-wing political events in the U.S., particularly those supporting President Trump.
Willis made it clear during a BBC interview in 2020 that neither he nor the Village People endorsed Trump, although their music was frequently used at his rallies. Under U.S. copyright laws, Trump utilized the music legally. However, the band did perform “Y.M.C.A.” at a Trump rally in January 2025. At that time, Willis encouraged giving Trump a chance but assured that any actions against LGBTQ rights by the president would prompt opposition from the band.
In 2012, Willis achieved a legal victory by reclaiming partial ownership of several of the group’s song copyrights. This development allowed him to reunite with the Village People in 2017, as reported by BBC News.