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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Pearland
For Pearland residents who have ever danced to the Village People's iconic hits at a community event or wedding, the passing of Victor Willis is a loss that hits close to home. The group's music, including "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man," has been a staple at local gatherings and celebrations, bringing people together across generations. As the city's population continues to grow and diversify, the Village People's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite people from all walks of life. In Pearland, where community events and festivals are an integral part of the city's fabric, the impact of Willis' contributions to the music world will be deeply felt. As the city moves forward, it will be interesting to see how local event organizers and residents choose to honor Willis' memory and continue to celebrate the music that has brought so much joy to the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mark Kennedy, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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