They represent the sparkle and joy of disco music, transcending boundaries. Originally formed as a gay group, they have always been equally\u2014if not more\u2014popular in the heterosexual world as in the gay community. While the gay community initially adopted them as their “brand” during their early success, they later distanced themselves when the group became overly commercialized, particularly with the release of the film “Can’t Stop the Music,” which chronicled the group’s origins.<\/p>\n
The “Village People” project was born in New York in 1977 (the name was inspired by Greenwich Village, which was the music district, the alternative area, and also the gay neighborhood of New York), created by Jacques Morali, one of the greatest producers of the era. He drew inspiration from Felipe Rose, who performed in gay clubs dressed as a Native American. After contacting Felipe, Morali hired Phil Hurtt and Peter Whitehead, two “gurus” at the time, as composers tasked with writing songs with gay themes. <\/p>\n
At that point, other figures were added to personify other “gay macho” stereotypes: the policeman, played until 1979 by Victor Edward Willis, then by Ray Simpson; the construction worker, David Hodo; the Native American, Felipe Rose; the biker, Glenn Hughes until 1995, then by Eric Anzalone; the soldier, Alex Briley; the cowboy, Randy Jones until 1980, then by Jeff Olson.<\/p>\n
Their first hit was in 1977, “San Francisco,” followed by “Macho Man,” “Y.M.C.A.,” and “In the Navy.” Another major success was “Go West” (which the Pet Shop Boys covered successfully), and in 1981 “5 O’Clock in the Morning,” where they also experimented with a new look that did not meet with public approval, so they immediately returned to their old style.<\/p>\n
In 2000, the Village People were the subject of a worldwide urban legend claiming they had all died of AIDS. This was disproved by the facts and by numerous public appearances on television programs and concerts, including one in Italy in 2005 in Torre del Lago, as guests of the gay community. <\/p>\n