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Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, dies at 74
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Victor Willis, lead singer and co-founder of the Village People, died at age 74 on June 30, 2026, after a brief illness, as announced by his wife and the band on Facebook.
- Willis co-wrote iconic disco hits such as "Y.M.C.A.," "In the Navy," and "Macho Man," which became cultural anthems in the late 1970s, especially within the LGBTQ community.
- Despite leaving the group in 1980, Willis rejoined the Village People in 2017 and had a history of struggling with drug addiction, including a 2006 cocaine possession plea deal.
- The song "Y.M.C.A." has been controversially used at rallies supporting former President Trump, though Willis stated he and the band never endorsed Trump and emphasized their commitment to LGBTQ rights.
- The Village People performed "Y.M.C.A." at a Trump rally in January 2025, with Willis expressing hope for positive political actions while warning the band would oppose any attempts to restrict LGBTQ rights.
