Victor Willis, original lead singer of the Village People, dies at 74

Victor Willis, the original lead singer and co-founder of the disco group the Village People, died on June 30. He was 74 years old, passing away one day before his 75th birthday.

Willis was the defining voice and frontman of the ensemble, widely recognised for his foundational role as the group's police officer. As the lead vocalist, he anchored a musical act that became a global phenomenon during the height of the disco era in the late 1970s.

Alongside his role as a performer, Willis was instrumental in crafting the group's catalogue. He co-wrote "Y.M.C.A.," a track that transcended its origins to become a lasting fixture in international popular culture. The song remains in heavy rotation at public events, celebrations and sports arenas decades after its initial release.

The enduring nature of his work was reflected in the immediate international response to his death. Global media outlets and public figures acknowledged his passing, with Donald Trump issuing a tribute stating that he would think of Willis every time "Y.M.C.A." is played.

Willis leaves behind a legacy inextricably linked to the commercial and cultural peak of the disco movement. His contributions as both a vocalist and a songwriter established a standard for popular dance music that continues to resonate.