Village People Singer Victor Willis Dies at 74
Victor Willis died on June 30 2026 at age 74. He was the lead singer of disco group Village People.
He died one day before his 75th birthday. Sources say he suffered a short but aggressive illness.
Willis co-wrote the group's big hits including "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man." These songs became symbols of the disco era. Willis was at first against Trump using "Y.M.C.A." at campaign events.
In 2020 he told the BBC he did not support Trump. But he said US copyright law stopped him from blocking the song's use.
Willis later changed his position. He performed "Y.M.C.A." with its well-known dance at Trump's second inauguration in January 2025. This surprised fans who knew his earlier opposition.
Klear Note — Village People were a major disco group in the 1970s-80s. 'Y.M.C.A.' and 'Macho Man' became iconic songs of that era.
Key Terms 3
- Village People A popular 1970s American disco group known for fun costumes and dance songs
- inauguration The ceremony where a new US president officially takes office
- copyright law Rules that control who can use a song or creative work