The Village People's new single "Disco Star" debuts on a Billboard chart in the same week that founding member Carl Willis passes away.

The news comes after Victor Willis' death.

"Victor Willis' talent and music were timeless," longtime promoter Howard Rosen tells Billboard after news of the singer's death broke.

President Trump paid tribute to the Village People cofounder, who helped turn "Y.M.C.A." into one of disco's most enduring hits.

Victor Willis died on Monday at the age of 74 following a "short but aggressive illness," the band said.

Willis was a founding member of Village People, whose hits include ‘Y.M.C.A.’, ‘Go West’ and ‘In The Navy’. View on euronews ...

Village People lead singer Victor Willis died on June 30, 2026, aged 74, after a 'short but aggressive illness' ...

Victor Willis, the founding lead singer of Village People and co-writer of “YMCA,” “Macho Man” and “In the Navy,” died on June 30. He was 74. “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor ...

Victor Willis, a founding member of the 1970s disco group Village People and lead singer of the dance anthems “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man” and “In the Navy,” has died.