Primary Wave Music has announced a partnership with the heirs of a producer behind the legendary dance-music group the Village People that involves a stake in the outfit’s brand, master recordings and publishing assets. Songs included in the partnership are such dancefloor icons as “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” “Go West” and more. Full terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Jonathan and Anthony Belolo, sons of original producer Henri Belolo, said, “As we were picking up the mantle following our father’s passing in 2019, we soon realized that – to achieve his dreams of bringing the Village People ideal into the 21st century the right way is a very bold endeavor. Our partnership with the amazing team at Primary Wave now brings us the backup and expertise that will ensure we can rise to the task together. With multiple projects in development, the future looks bright as ever for the Village People!”
Primary Wave VP Lexi Todd added, “The Village People have brought so much joy to listeners around the world for decades. With disco-inspired music all over the contemporary charts, now is the perfect time to launch our new partnership. We look forward to working alongside Jonathan and Anthony to reinvigorate the Village People brand.”
According to the announcement, the group was launched in 1977 when Belolo and fellow producer Jacques Morali, known collectively as Can’t Stop Productions, needed background singers for a new album by their group the Ritchie Family. Arranger Horace Ott suggested a singer he was working with, Victor Willis, who also was performing in the Broadway musical “The Wiz.” They recorded four songs, all of which were released on the group’s debut album “Village People” in 1977. Willis and the producers quickly recruited singers to form the group, and the Village People were launched. The group enjoyed multiplatinum success over the next couple of years but flagged as the disco backlash struck.
Over the years Willis fought for and won a stake in the rights to multiple Village People songs. Those songs have lived on, and Willis continues to tour with a new lineup of the group.
