Victor Willis, Village People Icon, Passes Away | Durham News

Victor Willis, the charismatic lead singer of the Village People, has died at 74 after a brief but aggressive illness, leaving behind a legacy defined by timeless hits like “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy.” A cornerstone of the group’s sound and spirit, Willis returned to the fold after leaving the original lineup and remained with them until 2017. His voice became synonymous with disco and pop anthems, even resonating at political rallies — including those of President Trump, who praised Willis as a “great and happy guy” and vowed to honor him every time “Y.M.C.A.” plays. The Library of Congress recognized the song’s cultural impact by adding it to the National Recording Registry. As fans and the music world mourn, Willis’s family and the Village People ask for privacy during this difficult time. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/62e7454f8c7da9ef