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The Village People Singer Victor Willis Passes Away, Aged 74

Mary Varvaris

Willis was the lead singer and co-writer of some of the Village People’s greatest hits, including 'YMCA,' 'Go West,' and 'In The Navy.'

Victor Willis in the 'YMCA' music video
Victor Willis in the 'YMCA' music video(Credit: YouTube)
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Victor Willis, best known as the “policeman” lead singer of the Village People, has passed away, the BBC reports. He was 74.

His passing was confirmed on the band’s Facebook page, where a succinct message from his bandmates said that Willis died following a “short but aggressive illness.”

“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People,” the brief statement reads.

It continued, “Victor passed on Tuesday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”

Willis’ wife and manager, Karen-Huff Willis, also shared a similar post on the singer’s Facebook page.

She wrote, “It is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of my husband, VICTOR WILLIS. Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss.”

Willis was the lead singer and co-writer of some of the Village People’s greatest hits, including YMCA, Go West, and In The Navy, appearing on the albums Cruisin’ and Macho Man (both released in 1978) and Go West in 1979. Plus, he sang on the live album, Live And Sleazy.

In the ‘70s, the band found fame thanks to their disco music, which they contrasted with typical macho character outfits, with Willis appearing as a policeman and a naval officer.

In 1980, Willis left the band and fought numerous copyright battles over the group’s songs. However, he rejoined in 2017 and performed YMCA at US President Donald Trump’s inauguration last January. That moment arrived less than two years after he sent the President a cease-and-desist letter over Trump’s use of their music at his rallies.

Willis’ 1979 solo album, Solo Man, wouldn’t be released for three decades, until it was finally issued in 2015.

YMCA remains the biggest hit for the Village People and for Willis, having reached #1 in 17 countries upon its release in 1978. In 2020, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.