Legendary American singer and songwriter Victor Willis, the original lead singer and co-founder of the iconic disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74.
The band confirmed Willis’ death in a statement shared on its official social media pages on Wednesday, saying he died following a “short but aggressive illness.” His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed his passing in a separate statement.
“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People,” the band said, requesting privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Willis rose to international fame in the late 1970s as the lead vocalist of Village People, a group renowned for its colourful costumes, energetic performances and chart-topping disco hits.
As the band’s original frontman, he co-wrote and performed some of its biggest songs, including “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” “Go West,” and “In the Navy”,tracks that became global anthems and remain staples at sporting events, celebrations and popular culture decades after their release.