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.

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Another Craig Newmark School of Journalism student, Valerie is looking forward to sharpening her deadline reporting skills while getting to know the Bay Area. Her interests include climate adaptation, community issues and LGBTQ+ reporting.