Victor Edward Willis was born on July 1, 1951, in Dallas, Texas, United States. He was raised in a middle-class family by his father, a Baptist preacher. From an early age, Willis showed a strong interest in music. Encouraged by his father, he sang in church choirs and developed his vocal abilities. During his school years, he studied both music and acting, laying the foundation for a future in the performing arts.
Following his graduation, Willis moved to New York City to pursue a career in entertainment. There, he became involved with the Negro Ensemble Company, a significant step in his development as a performer. He participated in theatrical productions and musical plays, steadily building his stage presence and performance skills.
Victor Willis gained international fame as the original lead singer and co-founder of the disco group Village People. Known for performing dressed as a police officer or Navy officer, his strong vocals and charisma became central to the group's identity. Village People was formed as a concept group with themes built around American masculinity, often expressed through costume and catchy, danceable music.
The group achieved success with early hits such as "San Francisco (You've Got Me)" and "In Hollywood (Everybody Is a Star)," both showcasing Willis’s songwriting and vocal talents. Their popularity skyrocketed with releases like "Macho Man," "Y.M.C.A.," and "In the Navy," songs that not only topped charts but became emblematic of the disco era. Their fame led to appearances on major platforms such as American Bandstand.
| Birth Date: | 1 Jul, 1951 |
| Age: | 68 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Dallas |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American singer-songwriter |
| Spouse: | Phylicia Rashād[1978-1982] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 30 million |
