President Donald Trump is mourning the death of Victor Willis, the founding lead singer of The Village People who co-wrote the smash hit “YMCA,” sung countless times and to which the commander in chief danced at his political rallies.
The disco-era group posted Wednesday on Facebook: “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People. Victor passed on Tuesday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Village People singer Victor Willis is dead at 74. He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies. It became a ‘monster’ hit, again, 30 years after its original launch.
“Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set – The crowds were, and are, enormous – But Victor and the group was there for us right from the beginning! They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song.
“We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!”
Willis also co-wrote hits including “Macho Man” and “In the Navy.”
Variety reports: “The son of a Baptist preacher, Willis grew up in San Francisco, where he developed his voice singing in his father’s church. With training in acting and dance, he relocated to New York and joined the Negro Ensemble Company, appearing in numerous musicals and plays, including the original Broadway production of ‘The Wiz’ in 1976.
Thanks for the fun music Victor Willis (Lead Singer – Village People) pic.twitter.com/BlXaKFbdql
— Steve Penk (@StevePenk) July 1, 2026
“His career changed course after he was introduced to French disco producer Jacques Morali, who approached him with an audacious pitch: that Willis would front his new album and make it a massive hit.
“Willis agreed, and the debut Village People album was released in July 1977. After an appearance on ‘American Bandstand’ prompted demand for a live act, Willis and Morali assembled a full group of performers around him – the archetypal costumed characters who would become one of the most recognizable ensembles in pop history.”
Follow Joe on X @JoeKovacsNews
