Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People, dies at 74
Victor Willis, the iconic frontman of disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74 following a short illness, according to a statement from the band and his wife.
Willis was one of the defining voices of the disco era, co-writing and performing global hits including Y.M.C.A., Macho Man, In the Navy, and Go West. His performances, often in police or naval uniforms, helped make the group a worldwide cultural phenomenon.
Born in Dallas in 1951, Willis began his career on Broadway before joining Village People in the 1970s, where he rose to international fame alongside producer Jacques Morali.
He left the group in 1980, later returned in 2017, and remained closely associated with the band’s legacy.
Tributes from fans have described him as a pioneer of disco music and a voice that helped define an era.
He died just one day before his 75th birthday.