Village People Release New Hit as Founder Victor Willis Passes

The Village People’s new single “Disco Star” debuted on a Billboard chart the same week that founding member Victor Willis passed away. In Hollywood, California, on November 26, the band’s lineup—including Nicholas Manelick, James Kwong, Javier Perez, Victor Willis, Jeffrey James Lippold, and James Logan—attended the 91st anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade in support of Marine Toys for Tots.

Victor Willis, the co‑founder and lead singer of the Village People, died on June 29. His passing came just days before what would have been his 71st birthday on July 1.

With decades of tenure, Willis co‑wrote the group’s enduring hits such as “Go West,” “In the Navy,” and the iconic “Y.M.C.A.” This week, the Village People added a new entry to a Billboard chart, illustrating the lasting impact of their catalog amid the artist’s death.

Village People Return with “Disco Star”

The band re‑appears on the Adult Contemporary chart with the track “Disco Star,” which entered the list at No. 28 on Billboard after receiving significant airplay on U.S. stations that focus on melodic pop.

Village People Achieve Fourth Career Radio Hit

The release earns the Village People a fourth entry on the Adult Contemporary chart. It comes roughly a year and a half after their last charting single, “Goddess of Love,” which debuted in October 2024 and rose to No. 20 by mid‑November.

Village People Debuted on the Chart in 2020

All four of the group’s songs that have entered the Adult Contemporary chart have done so in the past decade. Their first appearance was in May 2020 with “If You Believe,” which peaked at No. 25. In December 2022, “Magic Christmas” reached No. 13, narrowly missing a Top‑10 placement.

Lowest Debut Entry This Week

Only three new songs entered the Adult Contemporary chart this week, all occupying 10 % of the available positions. “Disco Star” began at the lowest rank among them. Ella Langley’s “Be Her” and The Grimm’s “Somewhere in the Night” debuted at Nos. 24 and 27 respectively.

The chart also saw the return of previously listed tracks. Alex Warren’s “Fever Dream” re‑entered at No. 29, its highest position so far, while Ariana Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me” returned at No. 30 after a brief absence.

Village People Released Block Party Days Ago

Earlier in the month, the Village People released a new compilation titled Block Party: Village People. The six‑song set includes fan favorites such as “Y.M.C.A.” and “In the Navy,” but does not feature the newly released “Disco Star.”

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