Trump honors Village People frontman following his passing

US President Donald Trump has expressed condolences over the death of Victor Willis, the lead singer of the disco group Village People, highlighting his role in popularizing the song YMCA.

The statement was published by the president on his Truth Social platform.

“Village People singer Victor Willis is dead at 74. He was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies. It became a “monster” hit, again, 30 years after its original launch. Many singers and groups wanted to get on board at the Rallies after all of the Rally Attendance Records were set - The crowds were, and are, enormous - But Victor and the group was there for us right from the beginning! They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song. We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!” Trump wrote.

The death of the singer at the age of 74 following a brief and severe illness was previously announced by the Village People themselves. Victor Willis was born on July 1, 1951, in Dallas, Texas.

In the 1970s, he founded the group Village People, which became one of the most famous disco-era bands. The group gained worldwide recognition thanks to 1970s hits such as YMCA and Go West.

The song YMCA has frequently been used to close Donald Trump’s rallies, where he often danced along, rhythmically moving his arms with clenched fists.

By Vafa Guliyeva