News : Victor Willis, Lead Singer Of Village People, Dies At 74

Village People frontman Victor Willis has died at the age of 74.

The group behind the classic hit Y.M.C.A. announced on social media that Willis passed away on June 30, just one day before what would have been his 75th birthday, after battling what they described as "a short but aggressive illness".

"We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People," the band wrote in a brief statement. "Privacy is requested."

His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed his passing with a statement of her own, writing, "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."

Beyond serving as the band's lead vocalist, Willis helped write many of Village People's biggest songs and was known for portraying either a police officer or a naval officer during the group's performances.

He joined forces with French producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to form Village People in the mid-1970s. The group's self titled debut album arrived in 1977, and they went on to become disco icons with songs such as Y.M.C.A., Macho Man, In the Navy, and Go West later in the decade.

Co-written by Willis, Y.M.C.A. became an international smash hit that launched Village People to worldwide fame in 1978. At the time, the group's lineup also included Felipe Rose, Alex Briley, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo, and Randy Jones.

Willis stepped away from the band in 1980 before returning in 1982, then departed once more in 1983. After many years away, he reunited with Village People in 2017. The group later made headlines by performing Y.M.C.A. at U.S. President Donald Trump's pre inauguration rally in January 2025.

Outside of his work with Village People, Willis appeared in the original Broadway production of The Wiz in 1976 and released his solo album Solo Man in 2015.

He was married to his The Wiz co-star Phylicia Rashad from 1978 until 1982. In 2007, he married attorney and entertainment executive Karen Huff.