safety
Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote 'Y.M.C.A.,' dies at 74
By Mark Kennedy, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 3 min read
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 the death of Victor...
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 San Antonio
In San Antonio , where community events and public gatherings are a staple of the city's culture, the music of Village People has undoubtedly been a part of many celebrations. The group's iconic songs, such as "Y.M.C.A.," have been played at countless parties, weddings, and festivals throughout the city, bringing people together and creating a lively atmosphere. As the city moves forward, it will be interesting to see how local event organizers and DJs pay tribute to Victor Willis' legacy, potentially incorporating more of the Village People's music into their playlists. The impact of Willis' music can also be seen in the city's LGBTQ+ community, where the Village People's songs have been a source of pride and celebration. As San Antonio continues to grow and evolve, the music of Village People will likely remain a beloved part of the city's cultural fabric.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more The San Antonio stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 the death of Victor...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mark Kennedy, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter