Victor Willis, Lead Singer of Village People, Passes Away at 74

Victor Willis, aged 74, the lead singer of the 1970s disco group Village People, has passed away. His band announced the sad news on Wednesday, citing a ‘short but aggressive illness’ as the cause of death. According to a statement on the band’s official Facebook page, Willis died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and the family requests privacy during this difficult time.

Willis, originally from Texas, co-founded the Village People and served as their original lead singer. He contributed to writing many of the band’s songs and gained fame for his role as the cop character, especially noted for the hit single ‘YMCA.’

In 1979, Willis left the Village People aiming to pursue a solo music career.