India, July 1 -- Victor Willis, the founding lead singer and songwriter of the iconic 1970s disco group Village People, passed away on June 30, 2026, after battling a short but aggressive illness,. His death at age 74 marks the end of a career for a musician who defined the sound of the disco movement.
Founding an Iconic Ensemble
Willis established the group in 1977 alongside producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, crafting a unique visual and musical identity. He led the six-member ensemble as the Policeman and Naval Officer archetypes. He was joined by performers Felipe Rose, Alex Briley, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo, and Randy Jones. The Texas-born musician co-wrote the group's most famous hits:
* Y.M.C.A
* Macho Man
* In the Navy
* Go W...