safety
Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ dies at 74
By ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 1, 2026
· 4 min read
NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People, co-wrote the disco group’s classic hits “Y.M.C.A.,” ″Macho Man” and “In the Navy,” and delighted crowds while dressed as the band’s helmeted and mustachioed police officer, has died. He was 74.
“We are profoundly sad to announce th...
Key takeaway ,” ″Macho Man” and “In the Navy,” and delighted crowds while dressed as the band’s helmeted and mustachioed police officer, has died.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The passing of Victor Willis, co-founder of the Village People, may seem like a distant event, but his music has likely been a part of many Minneapolis celebrations. The group's iconic songs, such as "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man," have been staples at local weddings, proms, and community events, bringing people together across generations. In Minneapolis, where community events and festivals are a big part of the city's culture, the Village People's music has probably been played at numerous gatherings, including the annual Twin Cities Pride festival, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. As the city moves forward, it's likely that Willis' music will continue to be played at these events, serving as a reminder of the impact he had on popular culture and the joy his music brings to people's lives. His legacy will live on in the city's vibrant community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People, co-wrote the disco group’s classic hits “Y.M.C.A.,” ″Macho Man” and “In the Navy,” and delighted crowds while dressed as the band’s helmeted and mustachioed police officer, has died. He was 74.
“We are profoundly sad to announce th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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