July 5, 2026

Remembering Victor Willis, Original Lead Singer and Founder of Village People

It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of Victor Willis, the original lead singer of Village People, who died on June 30, 2026, at the age of 74.

Victor was the unmistakable voice behind some of the most joyful songs ever recorded. As co-founder of Village People and co-writer of “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” he helped create music that transcended the disco era and brought people to the dance floor for nearly five decades. “Y.M.C.A.” was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame — a testament to how deeply his work is woven into our culture.

He returned to lead Village People in 2017, delighting audiences around the world right up until his passing.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Karen, his family, and his bandmates.

Thank you for the music, Victor. The world is smiling because of it.