Victor Willis, Village People lead singer who co-wrote the hit ‘YMCA,’ dies at 74
Updated: 7:08 AM EDT Jul 1, 2026
Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, has died, the disco group announced on social media. He was 74 years old.”We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People,” Village People confirmed on its Facebook page early Wednesday. Video above: Remembering those we lost in 2026The Texas-born singer died from a “short but aggressive illness” on Tuesday, according to the post.He dressed as a cop during the group’s run. The group is best known for the ’70s hit “YMCA,” which Willis co-wrote, The BBC reported.Willis left the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career before returning in 2017, according to NBC News.
Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, has died, the disco group announced on social media. He was 74 years old.
“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People,” Village People confirmed on its Facebook page early Wednesday.
Video above: Remembering those we lost in 2026
The Texas-born singer died from a “short but aggressive illness” on Tuesday, according to the post.
He dressed as a cop during the group’s run. The group is best known for the ’70s hit “YMCA,” which Willis co-wrote, The BBC reported.
Willis left the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career before returning in 2017, according to NBC News.
