Victor Willis
Awards & Honours
0
Awards Won
2
Honours
1
Covers
1
Records
Victor Willis's lasting achievement is his role in creating some of the most recognizable songs in pop music history. As co-writer and lead singer of the Village People, he helped define the disco era with anthems that have transcended generations. His 2015 legal victory securing 50% copyright ownership of 13 songs was a landmark win for artists' rights. The induction of Y.M.C.A. into the National Recording Registry in 2020 cemented its cultural significance.
Honours & Distinctions
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Awarded to Village People for contributions to music.
National Recording Registry
Y.M.C.A. inducted for cultural and historical significance.
Magazine Covers
Rolling Stone
1979-08-09
Village People: The Disco Phenomenon
Records & Feats
First to win 50% copyright of group's songs via jury trial
In 2015, a federal jury ruled Willis entitled to 50% copyright ownership of 13 Village People songs in the U.S., a rare legal victory for a band member.