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Victor Willis, Village People lead singer, dies at 74

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Village People lead singer Victor Willis, whose onstage costumes and catchy songs — including “YMCA,” “In the Navy” and “Macho Man” — made the group a household name far beyond the disco era, died on Tuesday, the band said in a social media post this week. He was 74.

Willis died after a “short, but aggressive” illness, his wife wrote in a separate statement posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

“The family request privacy at this time of great loss,” the statement added.

Willis was born in Texas in 1951 and grew up singing gospel music in the church where his father was a Baptist minister.

In 1977, he teamed with late producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo to create the Village People, embodying the group’s “Cop/Admiral” character. Willis left and returned to the group several times in the years that followed but returned for good in 2017.

When the group’s hit song “Y.M.C.A.” was added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in March 2020, Willis said in a statement, “I had no idea when we wrote ‘Y.M.C.A.’ that it would become one of the most iconic songs in the world, and fixture at almost every wedding, birthday party, bar mitzvah and sporting event.”

“I am glad that the music of Village People has made the world smile for over 40 years with our music,” he continued. “On behalf of my partners Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, we thank you and are honored to be in such elite company.”

“Y.M.C.A.” was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021.

President Donald Trump, who frequently plays “Y.M.C.A.” at his campaign rallies and events, mourned Willis’ death in a social media post Wednesday. He took credit for reviving the song, which was first released in 1978 as the lead single on the Village People’s Cruisin’ album.

The group had initially asked Trump to stop using their songs “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man” at his rallies, but later supported the use of them and even performed at Trump’s victory rally on the eve of his second inauguration in January 2025.

“[Willis] was a great and happy guy who loved that I used his groups song, YMCA, at my Rallies,” Trump wrote in part on Wednesday. “It became a ‘monster’ hit, again, 30 years after its original launch.”

Willis was previously married to actress Phylicia Rashad from 1978 to 1982. He remarried in 2007 and is survived by his wife Karen Huff-Willis, an entertainment executive and attorney.

Happy ‘Billboard’ chart-iversary, Taylor Swift!

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

As Taylor Swift heads into what allegedly will be her wedding weekend, she’s also got another milestone to mark: the 20th anniversary of her Billboard chart debut.

Taylor’s first-ever Billboard chart appearance came July 1, 2006, as her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” entered the Hot Country Songs chart at #60. She was just 16 years old at the time. The song, which was released on June 19, took 30 weeks to climb to its peak at #6.

Taylor’s self-titled debut album, released Oct. 24 of that year, went on to spend 24 weeks at #1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart and reached #5 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.

Since then, of course, Taylor has gone on to dominate not just the country charts but the pop charts as well. To date, she’s scored 15 #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and 15 #1 albums on the Billboard 200, the most of any female artists.

Here are some of her unique chart achievements:

— In 2022, Taylor became the first artist to hold the entire top 10 of the Hot 100 in the same week, when 10 songs from Midnights simultaneously entered the chart. In 2024, she bested her own record, taking over the top 14 spots on the chart with songs from The Tortured Poets Department.

— Taylor holds the record for the longest song ever to top the Billboard Hot 100: “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version),” which clocks in at 10 minutes and 13 seconds. It was #1 in November 2021.

— Taylor is the only female artist ever to replace herself at #1, and she’s done it twice: In 2014, “Blank Space” replaced “Shake It Off,” and in 2023, “Is It Over Now (Taylor’s Version)” replaced “Cruel Summer.”

Rush postpones two Fifty Something shows due to Geddy Lee’s illness

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Rush was forced to postpone two shows on their Fifty Something tour after lead singer Geddy Lee was diagnosed with laryngitis and bronchitis. The announcement came just hours before they were to take the stage at Dickies Arena in Forth Worth, Texas, on June 30. The band’s July 2 show at the same venue was also postponed.

“We are deeply sorry to share that we must reschedule our June 30 and July 2 shows,” read a statement on the band’s website. “Geddy has been diagnosed with laryngitis and bronchitis. After being evaluated by his doctors, he has been advised that he needs additional time to rest and recover before returning to the stage.”

“This is incredibly disappointing for all of us. We know many of you have made travel plans and have been counting down the days to these shows. Please know this decision was not made lightly,” the post continues.

“After more than 50 years of touring, we’ve always believed that if we’re going to step on stage, we owe you the very best performance we can give—and right now, that simply isn’t possible.”

In a video on social media, Rush’s Alex Lifeson addressed fans, noting that when they came for soundcheck Geddy “could barely speak let alone sing.”

The June 30 show has now been rescheduled for July 11, with the July 2 show now happening July 13. Tickets for the original shows will be honored for the new dates, and those who can’t attend will receive refunds.

“Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and for always standing with us,” the post on their website concludes. “We look forward to seeing you in just a couple of weeks and appreciate your continued support while Geddy makes a full recovery.”

It’s all love from Josh Ross, as ‘Hate’ goes #1

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Josh Ross has already enjoyed multiple number ones in his native Canada and been crowned entertainer of the year twice by the Canadian Country Music Association.

But success in the States can prove more elusive, making Josh’s second trip to the top in the U.S. even more significant.

“I just wanted to say thank you guys so very much [for] my second number one with ‘Hate How You Look,'” he said in a message to radio and his fans. “It’s just amazing to see what we’ve done in the last two years, and I wouldn’t be here without you guys.”

“It’s been incredible to see the music translate on the road,” he continues, “watching the fans grow every weekend for my own shows, and while we’re out opening and supporting other artists. So thank you guys so much.”

“Here’s to the next one, and here’s to the next — oh my gosh — hopefully 20, 30 years playing music for you guys,” he adds.

Josh first topped the U.S. country chart with “Single Again” in July 2025. It was the first time a Canadian male artist had topped the chart in nearly 30 years. It’s been more than 50 years since anyone’s made it two in a row.

Phil Collen on what to expect from Def Leppard’s next album

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen is giving fans some insight into the band’s next record.

During an interview with the Thunder Underground podcast, Collen discussed the new album they’ve been working on. He notes that their latest single, “Rejoice,” which was released in January, is “one style of a song that’s on there.”

As for the rest, he says, “There’s some stuff on there that’s, like, ‘Whoa.’ You’d go, ‘This is really wacky.’ And so, I like that.”

“I love the fact that we’ve kind of, not got brave, but we haven’t got scared to express ourselves,” he adds. “Whoever writes whatever song, everyone puts 100% into it. So it kind of, again, takes on another life when you do that as well.”

He says that when it comes him and his bandmates writing songs “everyone gets involved.”

“It’s really diplomatic and it’s a democracy,” he explains. “But good ideas win.”

So far there’s no word on when Def Leppard will be releasing their new album. The record will be the first album of new material since 2022’s Diamond Star Halos.

In the meantime, Def Leppard is currently on a tour of Europe and the U.K. and will play the O2 in London on Thursday. A complete list of dates can be found at DefLeppard.com.

Hear Christina Perri’s anniversary ‘epic version’ of ‘jar of hearts’

June 30, 2026 by WDNY Radio

It’s been 16 years since Christina Perri released what became her breakthrough song “jar of hearts,” and now she’s released a previously unheard version of the song “from the vault.”

Christina calls this take on the song the “epic version,” adding that she’s “always wanted to release” it, but “never quite found the right time.” She adds, “I’m proud for the world to hear this one!”

After being featured on So You Think You Can Dance, “jar of hearts” took off, eventually hitting the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was featured on Christina’s debut album lovestrong, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

To mark the occasion, she’s created lovestrong. 15, an acoustic YouTube series in which she revisits the album for the first time since it came out. Half of the series is out now, with the rest of the episodes dropping in July. There’s also a deluxe version of lovestrong available now on digital services. Among its 17 songs is “distance,” a duet with Jason Mraz.

Chlöe releases music video for ‘Priorities’

June 30, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Chlöe has released the official music video for “Priorities.”

The video features her performing her song while dancing on a platform in a metallic dress, with some scenes capturing her in futuristic glasses. Directed by Andrew Makadsi and Derek Milton, it’s the latest from her collaborative album with Timbaland, Resurrection.

Chlöe also stars as a struggling violinist in the new movie Strung.

Speaking to Variety, she said she was drawn to the film because “[i]t had everything I love to watch — plus music — so it was a no-brainer of saying yes and attaching myself to it.”

She added she was also honored to work with Lynn Whitfield and friend Coco Jones.

In the film, Chlöe plays “a talented violinist [who] takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family,” according to a press release. Lynn is the daughter’s grandmother, and Coco Jones is her best friend Jasmine.

“She is just legendary, and I’m so happy that I was able to work with her in that way and do our stunts together,” Chlöe told Variety. “I’m just very honored that I got to do that with the iconic Lynn Whitfield. I’m so grateful for her. She really cared about this movie and put her stamp on it, and I learned so much working with her.”

When discussing Coco, Chlöe reflected on how far they’ve come since she met her when she was 12 years old. “To see how we’re both growing in our careers and who we as women is pretty cool, and to join back together in this movie is pretty dope,” she said.

Strung is now streaming on Peacock.

It’s your desire: Bananarama gives ‘Venus’ & parent album a new sound for 40th anniversary

June 30, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Is it your desire to have multiple versions of Bananarama’s album True Confessions? Consider your wish granted.

The British trio is rolling out special versions of the album in honor of its 40th anniversary. The album features their biggest U.S. hit, “Venus.” Among the offerings are three CD versions, each featuring artwork based around a single band member, plus audio from that member talking about what it was like making the album in 1986.

The album is also being released on picture disc, a double-LP vinyl version featuring bonus remixes, several vinyl variants and another CD version with even more remixes. All feature remastered audio and will be released Aug. 28. Reproductions of the group’s original 1986 merchandise are also available.

One of the remixes is a new take on “Venus” by Richard X, which is available now. The song was originally recorded in 1969 by a Dutch rock band called Shocking Blue. The group hired U.K. pop producers Stock Aitken Waterman to turn it into a dance song after they heard the producers’ work on “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive.

“They said it couldn’t be done because you couldn’t have guitars on a pop record!” recalls group member Keren Woodward. “Thankfully, we were very persuasive.”

“Venus” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the producers would go on to produce additional hits for Bananarama, as well as for Rick Astley, Kylie Minogue, Donna Summer and more.

Mick Jagger open to a Harry Styles-like residency for The Rolling Stones

June 30, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Fans of The Rolling Stones are disappointed they have no plans to tour this year, but Mick Jagger insists that doesn’t mean they will never play live again.

In a new interview with NME, Jagger says they’re not touring this year because Keith Richards “couldn’t commit” because “he wasn’t feeling so great about touring and everything.”

Jagger says they hope to do some shows next year, realizing the next question is going to be about the possibility of a residency somewhere.

Asked whether they were open to a residency in Las Vegas, Jagger replies, “Well, no,” but then explains what he thinks will work for them.

“I mean more like Harry Styles doing [multiple shows] in Amsterdam and London. But then he’s still touring though; he’s not just staying in one place,” Jagger says. “But we are gonna get live dates in for next year, hopefully … I’ll let you know when I know.”

The Rolling Stones are set to release their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, on July 10. It is the follow-up to 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, and Jagger is already looking toward the next album.

Asked whether there’s “another album in the tank,” he replies, “Yeah, it could be a trio [of records]… I’ve already started writing songs anyway.”

“They could be for other people though,” he says. “When you write a song, you sometimes decide ‘that’s not for me, but it could be for the (Red Hot) Chili Peppers’ or whatever.”

“I’ve got a lot of stuff, and not all of it’s suitable for The Rolling Stones,” he adds. “It shouldn’t stop me writing them, you know. If you get an idea, just write it.”

Ella Mai releases ‘Might Just’ music video

June 30, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Ella Mai has released the music video for “Might Just,” a track from her latest album, Do You Still Love Me?

The video reimagines and pays tribute to the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale.

It follows Ella as she does household chores — laundry, washing dishes and tidying up — and is constantly haunted by visions of her partner cheating with another woman. She eventually teams with friends CoCo Jones, Ryan Destiny and Taylor Rooks to set his home ablaze. The video closes with Ella sitting in her car and smoking a cigarette.

Ella will continue the rollout for her album, Do You Still Love Me?, when the North American leg of her supporting tour kicks off July 7.

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