Victor Willis, the lead singer of '70s disco group Village People, died on June 30, 2026, just one day before his 75th birthday.
The 74-year-old, best known for hits including "Y.M.C.A," "Go West," and "In The Navy," passed away after a "short but aggressive illness," a brief statement on the band's social media accounts confirmed.
"We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People," the statement read.
"Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested."
© Getty ImagesVictor's wife, Karen Huff-Willis, added in her own heartbreaking statement: "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."
Victor was a founding member and the lead singer of the Village People, co-writing the band's biggest hits.
© Getty ImagesThe group formed in 1977 after producer Jacques Morali and his partner Henri Belolo, known collectively as Can't Stop Productions, needed background singers for the Ritchie Family's new album.
Victor, who was performing in the Broadway musical The Wiz at the time, was suggested, and after he completed background vocals, Jacques and Henri lined him up for Village People.
"I had a dream that you sang lead vocals on an album I produced, and it went very, very big," Jacques told Victor, according to the band's bio on their official website.
"I have four tracks. I can't pay you much right now but if you agree, I'll make you a star," he added. Victor agreed, and the rest is history.
When the debut album proved a hit, demand for the Village People to appear in concert and on television shows was great; however, it was only Victor in the band.
Can't Stop Productions and Victor then recruited Felipe Rose, who dressed as a Native American, and Alex Briley, whom he'd previously worked with in a musical.
© Getty ImagesThe original lineup with Victor was Mark Mussler (Construction Worker), David Forrest (Cowboy), Lee Mouton (Leatherman) and Peter Whitehead (nondescript).
After they appeared together on American Bandstand, an ad was placed in a trade paper for "permanent" members, which read: "Macho Types Wanted for World-Famous Disco Group -- Must Dance and Have a Moustache." Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes and David Hodo answered the call.
After the release of their second album, Macho Man, Village People became an international phenomenon and quickly followed with their third album, the double-platinum Cruisin (which featured the blockbuster Y.M.C.A.).
© Getty ImagesThe group has received many honors and awards, including the American Music Award for Favorite Musical Group, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Victor left the group in 1979 and was replaced by a rotating lineup of lead singers. In 2012, he was awarded a 33 per cent share of the credits to hit tracks including "Y.M.C.A" and "In The Navy," after winning a legal battle over the rights. This was upped to 50 per cent in 2015.
Victor rejoined the Village People as lead singer in 2017 and revamped the group, performing to crowds worldwide.
