Though the Y is a national organization, Village People’s 1978 single “Y.M.C.A.” was inspired by the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, where lyricist and lead singer Victor Willis grew up.
Tuesday night, Willis’s wife posted on social media that her husband died of a “short, but aggressive illness” at the age of 74.
Willis was born in 1951 and spent his childhood in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. At the time, YMCA locations near that neighborhood offered affordable lodging, recreation and community for young people in the city. This is what Willis said he wrote the song about — it was fun to stay at the YMCA.
Today, the Y focuses on health, mental health and community services, with programs like food assistance and afterschool programs for kids. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco has 15 branches and delivers programs in 131 more community hubs throughout the area.
Chip Rich has been a part of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco for 43 years and is currently its chief innovation officer, working to maximize the organization’s impact.
“It’s hard not to like that song. When it comes on, people get up and dance,” said Rich. “It really does talk about a place where people can be and belong and become their best selves.”
Willis previously said he faced complaints in the years since President Donald Trump began playing “Y.M.C.A” at his rallies in 2020. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community consider the song an anthem, which Willis has said is misguided.
“This song is such a joyful song that it’s not a song that can be co-opted by one group,” said Rich. “It’s a song about the Y. The Y is in all communities. The Y is there for everyone, red states, blue states, all states.”
President Donald Trump posted on social media Wednesday expressing his condolences about Willis’ death, calling him “a great and happy guy.”
