Victor Willis, Lead Singer of the Village People, Dies at 74

[Zorro]

Often performing dressed as a helmeted police officer, he also co-wrote the group’s biggest hits, including “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man.”

Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People who also co-wrote many of the group’s high-camp disco-era hits, including “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” died on Monday. He was 74.

The group announced his death in a statement posted to social media that said the cause was “a short but aggressive illness.” No further details were provided.

The Village People became global stars in the 1970s by performing in the garb of sexualized male stereotypes, with Mr. Willis often wearing the uniform of a police officer (complete with helmet) or naval officer.

The critic John Rockwell, reviewing one of the group’s concerts for The New York Times in 1979, described Mr. Willis as the only “overt musician” in the group — bringing, Mr. Rockwell said, “a husky gospel fervor” to the high-energy numbers.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/01/arts/music/victor-willis-dead.html