Why is iconic disco group called Village People? Name origin explored as Trump dances with band at DC victory rally

The iconic disco group Village People returned to the top of the music charts following President Trump’s political comeback. Performing at his victory rally in Washington, D.C., the group was joined by star performers such as Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, and Gavin DeGraw, among others.

The 'macho men' of disco treated those in attendance with a high-energy performance and crooned their iconic numbers like YMCA and Macho Man.

President Trump, whose campaign has become synonymous with Village People’s signature hit YMCA, even joined them on stage for a brief dance.

Village People - Name and origin explored

In the 1970s, as conversations about s*xual identity and self-expression increasingly deepened the divide across the political spectrum, the Village People succeeded in uniting the country, all while dismissing stereotypes and selling out sports arenas.

The campy disco group was the brainchild of two producers ­– Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo - who were looking to break into the American pop scene. Named after New York City’s ‘uber-gay’ Greenwich Village, the group consisted of characters that were symbolic of American masculinity and macho-queer-themed personas.

The original band members were Randy Jones (cowboy), Glenn Hughes (leather man), Felipe Rose (American Indian), Victor Willis (policeman), David Hodo (construction worker) and Alex Briley (a GI/sailor).

Navigating the complex s*xual politics of the decade (wounds of the Stonewall Riots were fresh), the band churned out 'proudly gay' earworms that were vibrant and lusty ode to the queer community and spirit.

With a tumultuous history and a long-drawn tragic past, Victor Willis remains the only original member of the disco group.

The YMCA Years

The Village People’s most famous hit was inspired by ‘a big pink YMCA’ on Manhattan’s 23rd Street spotted by their manager Jacques Morali. Being a Frenchman, he had never head of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), he found the temporary accommodation and subsidized gym facilities with easy access for all, fascinating.

Frequented by the queer population and adult performers due to its impartial admissions policy, he produced an earworm that is still charting today. The fun yet relentlessly campy, YMCA remains essential to this day, being played everywhere from soccer and baseball games to even the President’s inauguration:

In retrospect, the band was successful in disrupting the status quo as seeing a flamboyantly queer-centric group become a household name in the 70s was something no one would have imagined.

The Village People today

Today, Victor Willis remains the band's only original member. With a rocky history with the Village People, leaving the group several times and being at the center of several lawsuits, Willis' decision to play at President Trump's victory rally surprised many, given how the band has collectively condemned Trump in the past.

While a clear schism is evident, Willis, who currently leads the band, took to Facebook to make a statement:

"We know this wont make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics. Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost."

The Way Ahead

The Village People's long journey is a testament to changing times, marked by evolution and resilience. With none of his old bandmates by his side, Willis now shares the stage with Javier Perez (American Indian), James Lee (GI), Jeffrey James "J.J." Lippold (leather man), James Kwong (construction worker) and Nicholas Manelick (cowboy).

Despite the changes and glaring endorsement from President Trump, they continue to win hearts worldwide - an enduring legacy of their contributions to popular and queer culture.