According to a statement from the family, Village People co-founder and lead singer Victor Willis has died at the age of 74 following a “short but aggressive illness.” Willis died on Tuesday, June 30, one day before his 75th birthday. His passing was announced on the Village People’s Facebook page. The statement read: “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People.”
The group also requested privacy for Willis’ family and loved ones during this time. Willis was one of the founding members of Village People, the disco group best known for the global hit “YMCA,” a song that became a lasting anthem in popular culture and remains closely associated with LGBTQ celebrations and Pride events around the world.
