Victor Willis, the lead singer of Village People known for hits like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” has passed away at the age of 74. The group confirmed his death through a post on their official Facebook page, expressing deep sadness over the loss. Willis, born in Dallas on July 1, 1951, was a talented musician and actor who joined Village People in 1977 during the disco era.
Together with producer Jacques Morali and business partner Henri Belolo, Willis co-founded the iconic six-member group Village People. Their debut album was released in 1977, followed by successful albums like “Macho Man” and “Cruisin'” in 1978. The group’s international hit “Y.M.C.A.” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, while “In the Navy” reached No. 3.
The catchy and timeless nature of Village People’s music has made it a staple at various events, from pool parties to proms and even the White House. The group’s signature song, “Y.M.C.A.,” was honored by the U.S. Congress in 2020 and later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021. Despite legal battles over song ownership in the past, Willis remained a key figure in the group’s legacy.
In recent years, Willis continued to perform with Village People, making appearances at events like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s function in India. His impact on music and pop culture will be remembered, and his contributions to the iconic group will be cherished by fans worldwide.