Disco Icon Victor Willis, Voice Behind YMCA, Dies at 74

Victor Willis, the original frontman and co-writer behind Village People’s biggest hits, has died at 74. His death on June 30, 2026 followed a short but aggressive illness. The band announced the news on their official social page and requested privacy for his family. Born in Texas and raised in San Francisco, Willis began singing gospel music before moving into jazz, soul and theatre. He joined Village People in 1977 and helped craft hits like YMCA, Go West and In the Navy. He left the group in 1980 but rejoined in 2017 and continued to perform worldwide. His passing marks the end of a musical era.

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