Victor Willis, co-founder and lead singer of the Village People, died Tuesday at age 74 after a short but aggressive illness. President Donald Trump posted a tribute on Truth Social the following day, praising Willis for supporting his rallies with the song "Y.M.C.A."
Willis co-wrote and performed on hits including "Y.M.C.A.," "In the Navy," and "Go West." He was the only original member still with the group at the time of his death.
Trump described Willis as "a great and happy guy who loved that I used his group’s song, ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ at my rallies." The president noted the track became a "monster" hit again decades after its 1978 release.
Willis initially objected to Trump's use of the song without permission but later authorized it following the 2024 election. He performed with the Village People at events around Trump's second inauguration.
Willis was born in 1951 and helped shape the band's disco sound after joining in 1977. His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, announced the death on social media.
