Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ dies at 74

Victor Willis, co-founder of the disco group the Village People and co-writer of hits like "Y.M.C.A.," "Macho Man," and "In the Navy," has died at age 74. The cause was a "short but aggressive illness," according to the group's Facebook page. Willis, who portrayed the band's police officer character, founded the Village People in 1977 with producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, inspired by a gay nightclub in Manhattan. The group achieved international success with songs that became cultural phenomena, with "Y.M.C.A." recognized by Congress and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Willis was born in Texas and grew up in San Francisco, with his time at a New York YMCA inspiring the iconic song. He also secured 50% copyright ownership in the U.S. for 13 of the group's songs.

Victor Willis, lead singer and co-founder of the disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74. His spouse announced his death on Facebook on Wednesday, stating he passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after a brief but aggressive illness. Willis, a Texas-born musician, co-wrote the group's major hits, including "Y.M.C.A.," "In the Navy," and "Macho Man," which were popular in the late 1970s. The article notes that "Y.M.C.A." became a fixture at rallies for US President Donald Trump.