How many original members of the Village People are there? This question often arises among fans of the iconic disco group, who have been captivated by their unique sound and colorful personas since their inception in the 1970s. The Village People, known for their catchy tunes and memorable performances, consisted of a rotating cast of characters, but only a select few were part of the group from the very beginning.
The Village People was formed in 1977 by French singer-songwriter, Jacques Morali, and French producer, Henri Belolo. The group’s first lineup included six original members: Victor Willis (as the leather-clad gay cowboy, Randy), David Hodo (as the construction worker, Mitch), Glenn Hughes (as the Indian warrior, Joe), Eric “Randy” Wright (as the gay Italian construction worker, Felipe), Mickey Feat (as the leather-clad gay cowboy, Rajah), and Felipe Rose (as the Native American, Lance).
Of these six original members, only three remain active in the group today. Victor Willis, the group’s lead singer and songwriter, left the Village People in 1984 and pursued a solo career. David Hodo and Felipe Rose, however, have been with the group since its inception and continue to perform together.
While the Village People has seen numerous changes in membership over the years, the core of the group has always been its original members. The group’s enduring popularity can be attributed to their catchy music, memorable personas, and the chemistry among the original cast. So, to answer the question, there are three original members of the Village People who have been with the group since its inception: David Hodo, Felipe Rose, and Victor Willis (before his departure in 1984).
