Amna Nawaz
@PBSNewsHour·5.3M subscribers·62.2K videos
Remembering Victor Willis, Village People lead singer
Posted
July 2, 2026
Views
12,591
Likes
552
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July 2, 2026
12,591
552
4.38%
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1:04Now PlayingVictor Willis, co-founder and lead singer of The Village People, has died.
Willis co-wrote many of the group's classic hits, including "YMCA," which was added to the National Recording Registry back in 2020.
He often performed hits like "In the Navy" and "Macho Man" in a police uniform or a Naval officer's outfit.
The group's music remains a staple at proms, weddings and LGBTQ marches, among others. More recently, their songs have become a staple at President Trump's rallies.
Willis' wife said he died from a short but aggressive illness. Victor Willis was 74 years old.
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