The Village People’s “YMCA” was one of the songs that became synonymous with the disco era, and nearly 40 years later still has people spelling out the four letters with their arms and bodies while singing along.
Donning costumes of a police officer, construction worker, cowboy and more, the funky bunch that spawned a film about their creation, “Can’t Stop the Music,” will perform at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa tonight.
Raymond Simpson – the group’s lead singer and “hot cop” – recently spoke from his New Jersey home about touring and performing the disco hits that made the band a household name.
Q. What’s it like being embedded in pop culture?
A. It’s been a long haul and a lot of fun. No show is the same; the audience really makes a difference in how a show goes.
Q. How did you land in the Village People?
A. At the time the group was getting ready to do a movie and the previous lead singer was leaving the band. I knew the producers and they asked me if I was interested in auditioning and I did.
Q. What is your favorite song to sing?
A. People love “YMCA” more than anything else. People grasped that song and took it on as their own. It wasn’t meant to be a hit song and was the last song to be added to the album.
Q. What is it about the songs that struck a chord with so many people?
A. It’s hard to say. If you could define things it would be in a can and we would be selling it on the corner. The songs aren’t heavy or political. It’s about having a good time.
Q. What type of music did you sing before joining the Village People?
A. I worked with my sister and brother-in-law Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Before that my sister played piano at the neighborhood church and we would sing in school choirs.
Q. How does it feel to look out at a sea of people singing and dancing?
A. It feels great because everyone is on the same wavelength and it really is an amazing feeling. We are a dance band and we put a lot of energy out there and get a lot of energy back.
Q. Do you get recognized on the street?
A. From time to time. When I’m not dressed up in the police outfit I can walk around and be myself and not get harassed or hassled.
Q. What’s a career highlight?
A. Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a highlight. I have a replica at the house and every now and then I take a peek at it.
Contact the writer: sschulte@pressenterprise.com, 951-368-9457
