Victor Willis, 74, the lead singer of the 1970’s disco-group Village People, has died, his team said Wednesday.
Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription
Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.
“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People,” according to a statement posted on the band’s official Facebook Page.
“Victor passed on Tuesday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested,” it added.
Texas-born Willis was a co-founder and original lead singer for the band who wrote many of their songs and was perhaps best known for dressing as a cop, with the hit single “YMCA.”
He left the group in 1979 in hopes of embarking on a solo career.
