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Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, dies at 74

Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, has died from "a short but aggressive illness," the disco group announced. He was 74.

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Victor Willis, Village People lead singer who co-wrote the hit ‘YMCA,’ dies at 74

Kate Malongowski

Sr Digital Curator

Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, has died, the disco group announced on social media. He was 74 years old.

“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People,” Village People confirmed on its Facebook page early Wednesday.

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The Texas-born singer died from a “short but aggressive illness” on Tuesday, according to the post.

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Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, in 1979

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He dressed as a cop during the group’s run. The group is best known for the ’70s hit “YMCA,” which Willis co-wrote, The BBC reported.

Willis left the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career before returning in 2017, according to NBC News.

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Portrait of the original members of the American disco group The Village People

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