Giorgy's Place - Village People

The history of the Village People
The brainchild of disco producer/composer Jacques Morali (previously involved with the Ritchie Family - "Best Disco in Town"), the Village People began with the discovery of Felipe Rose, who performed in full native American regalia in New York's Greenwich Village. Five other characters were fashioned straight from the macho image of male stereotypes, and creative imagination, to form the nexus of disco's greatest success story, in 1977. There is not a single living person who does not instantly know all the moves to Y.M.C.A., their best selling single, (nine million copies!). Since 1977 the Village People have sold over 20 million singles world wide, and 28 million albums up until 1984!!! The Village People were extremely prolific, putting out at least an album every year from 1977 to 1983. The first albums "Village People" and "Macho Man" in 1977, made the lads an overnight success, and also went platinum. As did the next two albums "Cruisin" and "Go West". The second release for 1979 was the gold album "Live and Sleazy". 1980 was possibly the Village People's finest year. The group made their debut into the movie world with the exciting musical extravaganza "Can't Stop the Music" - a film based (loosely) on their rise to stardom and their life in New York. The soundtrack of the film went platinum, and music history was changing forever. "Renaissance" went gold in 1981 and then "Fox on the Box" and "Live: Seoul" failed to reach the highs of previous albums. Their final (non-compilation) album "Sex Over the Phone" went gold in 1985, but the glory days of disco were long gone (but never forgotten) and they split up in 1986. In 1988 Village People regroup under the banner of Sixuvus ("six of us") Ltd. Finally their own bosses, and with the help of a new management team, Village People has built an amazing success story of live performances worldwide, new young audiences, television and video appearances, and industry respect. Of the originating and long-term members, Ray, David, Felipe, Jeff and Alex continued on. Glenn was replaced in 1995 the group's newest member Eric Anzalone. The Village People wrote and now perform in their show a new classic entitled Trash Disco, a tribute to the many artists and dance hits which are now amemorable part of the disco era. They recorded in 1990 on CBS Records(Australia) the top-ten hit Living in the Wildlife and in 1995 sang with the German Soccer Team on the BMG Records(Germany) number one hit Far Away in America . Their hits have been heard on dozens of recent major motion pictures including Down Periscope, Waynes World II, Adams Family Values and In and Out. They have performed four times in the past 2 years on the Jay Leno Show. As well as the Rosie O'Donnell Show, Oprah and Married with Children. They were the half-time entertainment for Australia's Rugby Grand Finals seen by more people than the Superbowl. Their music is played during the seven inning stretch at dozens of baseball games and they often entertain sports fans with live performances following soccer and hockey games as well. Village People celebrated its 20th anniversary with a national tour that included NYC's Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, and LA's Greek Theatre. They have just completed a unique documentary sharing music and culture with Australia's aborigines entitled Village People Go North DownUnder . Both VH-1 and MTV have featured Village People on recent programs. They continue to thrill audiences from 4 to 70 at concerts throughout the world.
The members (past & present) of the Village People
Felipe Rose / The Indian (1977 - present) Born 1-12-1955 Felipe is a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican and American Indian heritage raised in Brooklyn. From an early age, Felipe was involved in the arts. His mother, Jenny Ortiz, was a Copa Cabana girl in the late 40's. Music and the elements of show business played a large part in Felipe's upbringing. At 16, he received a scholarship for dance with the Ballet de Puerto Rico under the supervision of Pachual Guzman. He also graduated from Adelphi Business College, receiving a 2-year Associates Business degree, which today he applies wisely in all business decisions, personally and professionally. While performing in the New York nightclub scene, Felipe was discovered in his Native American attire by French record producer Jacques Morali. As a founding member of the group, Felipe is credited with being the inspiration of the group's visual concept. He was there from the beginning, providing input into the artistic development and creation of the group. He is very close to the band members in the true family sense, and still enjoys hitting the road with the guys. A social powerhouse, known for hosting fantastic parties and active in charity events and American Indian affairs, Mr. Rose is a well-known personality in the entertainment industry. During the 1980's, he sang and danced with Tito Puente in concert. He also starred in the role of Bernardo in a regional theatre production of "West Side Story." In 1996, Mr. Rose founded the Tomahawk Group which includes artistic development, an in-house, state of the art digital recording facility and a record and music publishing division. Cut an album that has Latin-Native American flavor. Won recently at the Native American Music Awards for best album and producer. Currently he is a New Jersey resident, a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).
Victor Willis / The Cop (1977 - 1979 + 1982) Born in 1952 Played in Broadway musicals "The Wiz" and "The River Niger". Original lead singer. After stint with Village People, made a single "Physical":, a cut from an album that was never released.
Ray(mund) Simpson / The Cop (1979 - 1982 + 1987 - present) Ray Simpson is the lead singer and Cop of Village People. From the days of the Village People film CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC, his voice can be heard on all Village People hits. Born and raised in the Bronx, Ray is proud to be labeled a "Native New Yorker." He is a graduate of City College, majoring in English and minoring in Music. Ray is a Capricorn, born on January 15th 1952, and he proudly shares that date with Martin Luther King, Jr. With Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesus Christ as fellow Capricorns, what better sign could there be? Ray comes from a successful solo career and many years performing with his sister and brother-in-law, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Prior to Village People, Mr. Simpson released a solo recording album entitled "Tiger love". He started doing some backup singing for Village People in its first years; soon after he was recruited (on very short notice) to join Village People when Victor Willis left. Mr. Simpson is a real sports fan. His other hobbies include backgammon, bicycling, writing music and driving fancy cars. He is also a proud husband and father. Ray, his wife Leslie and daughter Alayna now reside in New Jersey. Ray is a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).
Miles Jaye / The Cop (1983 - 1984) Replace Ray Simpson starting in 1983. The muscular cop found more success as a solo artist in 1985 with many solo albums. Made one officially recorded song with the group "America" in 1983. Toured a lot with band worldwide in 1983-84 period.
Ray Stephens / The Cop (1985) The forth lead singer of the band. Last 'new' member before first disbandment in 1985. Made solo cut after stint with group. Died in 1990 (?). Cause of death, unknown.
Py Douglas / The Cop (1985) Temporarily replaced Ray Stephens promoting album "Sex Over The Phone" in various tv appearances.
Alexander Briley / The Soldier/Sailor (1977 - present) Born on 4-12-1951 Alexander Briley was raised in Harlem and then Mount Vernon, New York. Son of a minister, he has been singing in church all his life. He studied voice at the University of Hartford and is able to perform a wonderful diversity of styles. Alex has sung with jazz flautist Bobby Humphrey. He was also featured in the Off-Broadway shows MUSIC MAGIC and Althol Fugard's drama A LESSON FROM ALOES. Mr. Briley was brought to Jacques Morali by Victor Willis because they had done a show together. Alex had a call back for another show and had to decide which to go to. Luckily he chose Village People. Alex has arranged most of the vocal arrangements and harmonies that the group uses. He originally performed in just jeans and a t-shirt. As the group developed, it became obvious that he needed a character, so when the group recorded In The Navy, Alex became a sailor for that number, and a soldier the rest of the time. Alex loves shopping and enjoys most kinds of music. He likes reading and is a concerned observer of life with an incredible memory. Currently he resides in Westchester, New York and is a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).
David Hodo / The Construction worker (1977 - 1981 + 1987 - present) Born 7-7-1957. 'Hard rocker' of the group. The most popular member of the Village People. Left the band in 1981 to form own rock group. He was born and raised in San Andreas, California (yes, on top of the fault line); many of his relatives were actual California settlers. "I'll always be a California boy but I'm also a New Yorker at heart having now lived half of my life here." He graduated from Sacramento State College with a B.A. in Speech. He then moved to New York City and got his Actors' Equity card on his second day in the city (unheard of!) and made his living singing and dancing on Broadway and in too many summer stock tours to mention. He was featured on Broadway and Off-Broadway in PAL JOEY, DOCTOR JAZZ, the rock musical SALVATION and Sal Mineo's drama FORTUNE AND MENS EYES. The oddest job he had (other than Village People) was that of a roller skating fire eater - until he nearly burned his face off! This is how he got his nickname: Scar. The year that he joined Village People was also the year that his birthday fell on 7-7-77, which he knew from the time he was a child was going to be a special year. With Village people he covered the globe several times over, meeting wonderful people and having some great times. Some of the more memorable moments were winning an American Music Award, being kissed by Ella Fitzgerald, shaking hands with LadyBird Johnson ("she's an incredibly powerful presense), meeting many childhood idols - Dick Clark, The Righteous Brothers, Leslie Gore, Lou Cristie, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and especially Ike and Tina Turner whom he saw in concert over thirty years ago in the Ike and Tina Turner Review. "I was totally blown away by her and so when I was able to work and tour with her in Germany several years ago, it was all I could do to refrain from falling at her feet and vowing complete and total servitude. She is the Godess of goddesses and the indisputable Queen of Rock 'n Roll!" Another awesome experience was at Mala Mala, a game preserve in Africa. "Hanging out with the guys is a great pleasure. I always enjoy their company. We have been through hell and high water together and we can still make the best out of the worst situations." He is a talented composer, having written original material for Village People which has been performed in their live show. Music is David's soul food. He is also a voracious reader. One of his greatest fears is to be stuck somewhere without something t read. Favorite things: David is an animal freak with two cats that he rescued from the streets of his neighborhood. He claims that if he wasn't touring so much, he would have a menagerie. Weaknesses: Chocolate, sunglasses, shoes, book stores and stray animals. (He's the one you see walking around the Bronx at night with bags of dry dog and cat food.) Mr. Hodo is the oldest of seven so he has a terminal Big Brother complex and will always be the bossy one, but "I will always be the one who steps between you and the bully." David is a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).
Mark Lee (1982 - 1985) / The Construction worker A muscular, real-life contruction worker (part-time). A look-alike of David Hodo. Only three months with the group when the band toured Asia in 1982.
Randy Jones / The Cowboy (1977 - 1981 + 1987 - 1990) Born 9-13-1952. Made an album in 1981 with "Pretty Woman" as single cut. Sang background vocals in a number of artist after atint with group. Responsible for Village People comeback in 1987 and became their first president of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation). Made new album "Imagining Mandolines" and has new solo movie to his credit.
Jeff Olson / The Cowboy (1981 - 1985 + 1991 - ) Came back in 1991 to Replace Randy Jones twice. Originally a YSL model, he owns a bar in LA prior to his second stint with the group. Also prior to joining the band, he is member of a musical group of his own with Olson as lead singer. Sported a 'new' modern Cowboy look nowadays. Jeff Olson, the Cowboy, was born in New York City, but his family moved to West Islip, a Long Island suburb, when he was six months old. As early as third grade he showed an interest in music and acting, participating in school plays and regularly singing with the school chorus. He developed a reputation for organizing his school bus buddies to sing along to pop songs on the way to grammar school, much to the dismay of the bus drivers.In High School, Jeff continued his interest in music with his involvement in numerous "garage bands," bands that never seemed to do much more than rehearse. After graduation, Jeff moved to Mitchell, South Dakota to begin his college career at Dakota Wesleyan University.There he studied biology, history and music. During his sophomore year, he once again became involved in a band that would eventually become known as STEPCHILD. As lead singer and percussionist, they toured the upper Midwest working as their own booking agent, management, roadies, sound engineer and wardrobe personnel. After 3 years, STEPCHILD ultimately disbanded and Jeff chose to relocate to the San Francisco/Bay area in California to pursue a music career. While in California, he was also chosen to co-star in the film "L.A. Crackdown." Jeff was then recruited by a fashion agent in San Francisco. After several years as a California model, his agency sent him to New York and then to an affiliated agency in Paris. Jeff enjoyed his life in Paris and it wasn't long before Paris felt as familiar as his own native New York. Strangely, one night out with friends at a local restaurant frequented by models and industry people, Jeff was introduced to a certain Frenchman who was known as a successful music producer for such big name groups as The Richie Family and Village People. It was a disappointingly brief meeting for Jeff who never kept a musical career very far from his thoughts. As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approached in the autumn of 1980, he made plans to return to the States to spend time with family. Back in New York that fall, he received a call from a friend telling him of an audition notice that appeared in one of the trade papers seeking a singer/dancer for a pop group. Things happened very fast that fall. He hadn't been back from France for more than two weeks before he found himself auditioning for the famous French music producer he had met just weeks prior, Mr. Jacques Morali. The very same day he was told that he had been selected and that he was now the cowboy of the group know as Village People. During the late 1980's, Mr. Olson owned and operated a sports bar in the L.A. area. Currently he is a Connecticut resident and a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd.(the Village People corporation).
Glenn Hughes / The Biker (1977 - 1995) Born 7-18-1950. One of the most recognized members of the Disco group "The Village People", performer Glenn R. Hughes was a real-life Brooklyn biker before adopting that image for the campy band that dominated club and dance music charts through the 1970s and 80s. Hughes, whose career with the band continued through the 80s and 90s and spawned a solo club act in the 1990s died March 4th, 2001 in Manhattan, New York after battling lung cancer. Born July 18th, 1950, Glenn R. Hughes was working as a toll collector for the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel when he answered an advertisement in a 1977 trade publication seeking "macho" singers with moustaches. Hughes responded to the ad, placed by record producer Jacques Morali, who had already sold Casablanca Records (a top Disco label whose artists included Donna Summer) on the premise of a music act that emulated those found in Greenwich Village clubs. Morali had been inspired by the flamboyant act of professional club dancer Felipe Rose, who incorporated his Native American descendancy into his act. Hughes joined Rose and four other performers including lead singer Victor Willis as a member of the six-man act dubbed "The Village People". Hughes, who was in real life a motorcycle fanatic who kept his own road machine parked inside his New York home became the "Leatherman" in the band's line up, decked out in black leather motorcycle gear and sporting an extravagant handlebar moustache. The prefabricated act also sported cowboy, construction worker and military personas, while lead vocalist Willis was costumed as a police officer and Rose retained his inter-tribal Native American costume. Hughes and his band mates were given a crash course in the synchronized dance choreography that typified the band's live shows before the band was launched in the less inhibited music market of England in 1977. Hughes and his band mates became overnight sensations with the #1 British single "San Francisco" the same year. Hughes soon found himself one of the best recognized figures of the Disco era when "The Village People" next conquered America, gracing magazine covers and making guest appearances on a slew of music and variety programs on television. While the band's act and double entendre song lyrics had been calculated to target the "Gay community", mainstream audiences quickly embraced "The Village People", who scored top-of-the-chart hits with "YMCA", "Macho Man", "Go West" and "Key West". Hughes and his band mates were surprised when their single "In the Navy" was used as a recruiting campaign anthem for the US Navy and Naval Reserves. With the full support of the War Department, Hughes and his band mates were taped performing aboard a US Navy Destroyer as part of the recruitment campaign, the footage and the hit song being used in television ads for the recruiting drive until the Pentagon demanded that the ads be dropped in light of The Village People public image as a pro-homosexual group. Shortly after the Navy campaign crumbled it was revealed that Felipe Rose was the only member of the group who lived an alternative lifestyle, and Hughes, a straight member of The Village People, was attacked by the gay community for purportedly exploiting the minority's stereotypes. Despite criticism from what had been their target market, Hughes and The Village People enjoyed Gold Record sales, Grammy nominations, and top spots on the Disco and R&B charts. Hughes performed on such fast selling albums as the debut "The Village People", "Cruisin'", "Macho Man", "Go West" and "Live & Sleazy". With and without his band mates, Hughes was a frequent featured guest on TV shows, Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve celebration, and was hand picked by "Playboy" magazine founder Hugh Hefner to appear on television specials broadcast from the famed Playboy Mansion. By 1980, Disco was dying and bad decisions by Jacques Morali (notably the band's appearance in the film "Can't Stop the Music") damaged the band's record sales. When Morali took the band into a foray as New Wave Romantics in 1981, Hughes was one of the first band members to stop the silliness if not the music: The Village People disbanded, only to reform at Hughes's urging in 1987 with their own company. Hughes was one of the original members to tour with the revived Village People, which became the focus of an E! Entertainment Network documentary. Hughes was active with the group for nearly a decade, departing to launch his own successful New York cabaret act in 1996. In New York, Hughes was known for storming the city streets on his custom Harley Davidson motorcycle until diagnosed with lung cancer. Glenn R. Hughes died at his Manhattan home on March 4th, 2001 at the age of 50. He was buried in his favorite riding leathers at his own request. Unmarried at the time of his death, Glenn Hughes left no immediate survivors. (From 'The Internet Obituary Network')
Eric Anzalone / The Biker (1995 - present) Eric Anzalone (2nd Leatherman/Biker) Late 1995 - early 1997. Returned in late 1997 - present. Went on hiatus briefly in 1997 to give way to original Biker, Glenn Hughes to tour with group. Permanently replaced Hughes because of poor health. Have many musical experience and acting prior from joining the band. The youngest band member to date. Eric is the newest member of Village People. He was born in Dayton, Ohio but grew up in Santa Barbara, California. As a graduate of San Marcos High School, he joins a special list of alumni including ER's Anthony Edwards, actor Eric Stoltz, Tony nominee ("The Will Rogers Follies") Cady Huffman (his high school girlfriend!), and Dean Dinning, bass player from Toad the Wet Sprocket. He studied theatre, with a music minor, at the University of Miami, Florida. Eric performed in various stage productions around the world. He killed many brain cells in the role of Berger in the European tour of HAIR, was a soloist performing Broadway standards with the Bratislavian Orchestra, and sang on the high seas for Princess Cruises. He starred as the purple-masked Donatello in the world tour of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles following the "Turtles" album release Coming Out Of Their Shells. He again donned the "extremely comfortable" green suit, and this time lent his voice as well, but as Raphael in the films A TURTLES' CHRISTMAS and TURTLE TUNES. In the 1980's, Eric was the frontman for the Los Angeles based heavy-metal band PARADIGM and he has written and performed with a few other grunge/thrash bands over the years. He is also the guitarist in the grungy-alternative band SIR. Beginning in November 1995, Eric took over the role of the Biker/Leatherman. He continues to act and do voice overs and he is writing a screenplay about two homeless men in New York City. Eric's hobbies include diving, cooking, reading, golf and writing music. His favorite thing to do on the road is going out to a good dinner while enjoying a great book (a pasttime he learned from David Hodo who usually supplies the books). He is now a New Jersey resident with his wife Jennifer (formerly from New York City) and their new daughter Samantha Reyne Anzalone, born September 1998.
Bill Whitfield (2002 and 2004) / The Construction worker Temporary substitute for David Hodo in 2 or 3 concert performances.
Alex Timmerman (2003) / The Soldier A sub for Alex Briley in one concert that year.
(Edited from 'The Village People: A Bio' by Scruff S.E. at Zombie Nation E-Zine)
Movie and TV appearances
Je te tiens, tu me tiens par la barbichette (France / 1979) Can't stop the music (USA / Color / 118 min. / 1980) The Love Boat (TV-series Episode # 4.7 - 22 November 1980) The best of Village People (Video / USA / Color / 73 min. / 1993) Married... with Children (TV-series Episode # 8.7 - 24 October 1993) Feathers and leather: The story of the Village People (Video documentary / 1999) Village People : The E! True Hollywood Story (TV documentary / 2000) American Bandstand's 50th Anniversary Celebration (TV / 2002) Disco Ball... A 30-Year Celebration, The (TV / 2003)
On the Internet
The Official Village People Web Site Felipe Rose Randy Jones - Original Cowboy of Village People Intervieuw with Henri Belolo

The history of the Village People

The brainchild of disco producer/composer Jacques Morali (previously involved with the Ritchie Family - "Best Disco in Town"), the Village People began with the discovery of Felipe Rose, who performed in full native American regalia in New York's Greenwich Village. Five other characters were fashioned straight from the macho image of male stereotypes, and creative imagination, to form the nexus of disco's greatest success story, in 1977.
There is not a single living person who does not instantly know all the moves to Y.M.C.A., their best selling single, (nine million copies!). Since 1977 the Village People have sold over 20 million singles world wide, and 28 million albums up until 1984!!!

The Village People were extremely prolific, putting out at least an album every year from 1977 to 1983. The first albums "Village People" and "Macho Man" in 1977, made the lads an overnight success, and also went platinum. As did the next two albums "Cruisin" and "Go West". The second release for 1979 was the gold album "Live and Sleazy".
1980 was possibly the Village People's finest year. The group made their debut into the movie world with the exciting musical extravaganza "Can't Stop the Music" - a film based (loosely) on their rise to stardom and their life in New York. The soundtrack of the film went platinum, and music history was changing forever.
"Renaissance" went gold in 1981 and then "Fox on the Box" and "Live: Seoul" failed to reach the highs of previous albums. Their final (non-compilation) album "Sex Over the Phone" went gold in 1985, but the glory days of disco were long gone (but never forgotten) and they split up in 1986.

In 1988 Village People regroup under the banner of Sixuvus ("six of us") Ltd. Finally their own bosses, and with the help of a new management team, Village People has built an amazing success story of live performances worldwide, new young audiences, television and video appearances, and industry respect.
Of the originating and long-term members, Ray, David, Felipe, Jeff and Alex continued on. Glenn was replaced in 1995 the group's newest member Eric Anzalone.

The Village People wrote and now perform in their show a new classic entitled Trash Disco, a tribute to the many artists and dance hits which are now amemorable part of the disco era. They recorded in 1990 on CBS Records(Australia) the top-ten hit Living in the Wildlife and in 1995 sang with the German Soccer Team on the BMG Records(Germany) number one hit Far Away in America .

Their hits have been heard on dozens of recent major motion pictures including Down Periscope, Waynes World II, Adams Family Values and In and Out. They have performed four times in the past 2 years on the Jay Leno Show. As well as the Rosie O'Donnell Show, Oprah and Married with Children.

They were the half-time entertainment for Australia's Rugby Grand Finals seen by more people than the Superbowl. Their music is played during the seven inning stretch at dozens of baseball games and they often entertain sports fans with live performances following soccer and hockey games as well.

Village People celebrated its 20th anniversary with a national tour that included NYC's Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, and LA's Greek Theatre. They have just completed a unique documentary sharing music and culture with Australia's aborigines entitled Village People Go North DownUnder . Both VH-1 and MTV have featured Village People on recent programs.

They continue to thrill audiences from 4 to 70 at concerts throughout the world.

The members (past & present) of the Village People

Felipe Rose / The Indian (1977 - present)
Born 1-12-1955

Felipe is a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican and American Indian heritage raised in Brooklyn. From an early age, Felipe was involved in the arts. His mother, Jenny Ortiz, was a Copa Cabana girl in the late 40's. Music and the elements of show business played a large part in Felipe's upbringing.

At 16, he received a scholarship for dance with the Ballet de Puerto Rico under the supervision of Pachual Guzman. He also graduated from Adelphi Business College, receiving a 2-year Associates Business degree, which today he applies wisely in all business decisions, personally and professionally.

While performing in the New York nightclub scene, Felipe was discovered in his Native American attire by French record producer Jacques Morali. As a founding member of the group, Felipe is credited with being the inspiration of the group's visual concept. He was there from the beginning, providing input into the artistic development and creation of the group. He is very close to the band members in the true family sense, and still enjoys hitting the road with the guys.

A social powerhouse, known for hosting fantastic parties and active in charity events and American Indian affairs, Mr. Rose is a well-known personality in the entertainment industry. During the 1980's, he sang and danced with Tito Puente in concert. He also starred in the role of Bernardo in a regional theatre production of "West Side Story."

In 1996, Mr. Rose founded the Tomahawk Group which includes artistic development, an in-house, state of the art digital recording facility and a record and music publishing division. Cut an album that has Latin-Native American flavor. Won recently at the Native American Music Awards for best album and producer.

Currently he is a New Jersey resident, a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).

Victor Willis / The Cop (1977 - 1979 + 1982)
Born in 1952

Played in Broadway musicals "The Wiz" and "The River Niger".
Original lead singer. After stint with Village People, made a single "Physical":, a cut from an album that was never released.

Ray(mund) Simpson / The Cop (1979 - 1982 + 1987 - present)

Ray Simpson is the lead singer and Cop of Village People. From the days of the Village People film CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC, his voice can be heard on all Village People hits.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Ray is proud to be labeled a "Native New Yorker." He is a graduate of City College, majoring in English and minoring in Music.

Ray is a Capricorn, born on January 15th 1952, and he proudly shares that date with Martin Luther King, Jr. With Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesus Christ as fellow Capricorns, what better sign could there be?

Ray comes from a successful solo career and many years performing with his sister and brother-in-law, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson. Prior to Village People, Mr. Simpson released a solo recording album entitled "Tiger love".

He started doing some backup singing for Village People in its first years; soon after he was recruited (on very short notice) to join Village People when Victor Willis left.

Mr. Simpson is a real sports fan. His other hobbies include backgammon, bicycling, writing music and driving fancy cars. He is also a proud husband and father. Ray, his wife Leslie and daughter Alayna now reside in New Jersey.

Ray is a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).

Miles Jaye / The Cop (1983 - 1984)

Replace Ray Simpson starting in 1983. The muscular cop found more success as a solo artist in 1985 with many solo albums. Made one officially recorded song with the group "America" in 1983. Toured a lot with band worldwide in 1983-84 period.

Ray Stephens / The Cop (1985)

The forth lead singer of the band. Last 'new' member before first disbandment in 1985. Made solo cut after stint with group. Died in 1990 (?). Cause of death, unknown.

Py Douglas / The Cop (1985)

Temporarily replaced Ray Stephens promoting album "Sex Over The Phone" in various tv appearances.

Alexander Briley / The Soldier/Sailor (1977 - present)
Born on 4-12-1951

Alexander Briley was raised in Harlem and then Mount Vernon, New York. Son of a minister, he has been singing in church all his life.
He studied voice at the University of Hartford and is able to perform a wonderful diversity of styles. Alex has sung with jazz flautist Bobby Humphrey. He was also featured in the Off-Broadway shows MUSIC MAGIC and Althol Fugard's drama A LESSON FROM ALOES. Mr. Briley was brought to Jacques Morali by Victor Willis because they had done a show together. Alex had a call back for another show and had to decide which to go to. Luckily he chose Village People.

Alex has arranged most of the vocal arrangements and harmonies that the group uses. He originally performed in just jeans and a t-shirt. As the group developed, it became obvious that he needed a character, so when the group recorded In The Navy, Alex became a sailor for that number, and a soldier the rest of the time.

Alex loves shopping and enjoys most kinds of music. He likes reading and is a concerned observer of life with an incredible memory.

Currently he resides in Westchester, New York and is a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).

David Hodo / The Construction worker (1977 - 1981 + 1987 - present)
Born 7-7-1957.

'Hard rocker' of the group. The most popular member of the Village People. Left the band in 1981 to form own rock group.
He was born and raised in San Andreas, California (yes, on top of the fault line); many of his relatives were actual California settlers. "I'll always be a California boy but I'm also a New Yorker at heart having now lived half of my life here."

He graduated from Sacramento State College with a B.A. in Speech. He then moved to New York City and got his Actors' Equity card on his second day in the city (unheard of!) and made his living singing and dancing on Broadway and in too many summer stock tours to mention. He was featured on Broadway and Off-Broadway in PAL JOEY, DOCTOR JAZZ, the rock musical SALVATION and Sal Mineo's drama FORTUNE AND MENS EYES.

The oddest job he had (other than Village People) was that of a roller skating fire eater - until he nearly burned his face off! This is how he got his nickname: Scar.

The year that he joined Village People was also the year that his birthday fell on 7-7-77, which he knew from the time he was a child was going to be a special year. With Village people he covered the globe several times over, meeting wonderful people and having some great times. Some of the more memorable moments were winning an American Music Award, being kissed by Ella Fitzgerald, shaking hands with LadyBird Johnson ("she's an incredibly powerful presense), meeting many childhood idols - Dick Clark, The Righteous Brothers, Leslie Gore, Lou Cristie, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and especially Ike and Tina Turner whom he saw in concert over thirty years ago in the Ike and Tina Turner Review. "I was totally blown away by her and so when I was able to work and tour with her in Germany several years ago, it was all I could do to refrain from falling at her feet and vowing complete and total servitude. She is the Godess of goddesses and the indisputable Queen of Rock 'n Roll!" Another awesome experience was at Mala Mala, a game preserve in Africa.

"Hanging out with the guys is a great pleasure. I always enjoy their company. We have been through hell and high water together and we can still make the best out of the worst situations."
He is a talented composer, having written original material for Village People which has been performed in their live show. Music is David's soul food. He is also a voracious reader. One of his greatest fears is to be stuck somewhere without something t read.

Favorite things: David is an animal freak with two cats that he rescued from the streets of his neighborhood. He claims that if he wasn't touring so much, he would have a menagerie.
Weaknesses: Chocolate, sunglasses, shoes, book stores and stray animals. (He's the one you see walking around the Bronx at night with bags of dry dog and cat food.) Mr. Hodo is the oldest of seven so he has a terminal Big Brother complex and will always be the bossy one, but "I will always be the one who steps between you and the bully." David is a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation).

Mark Lee (1982 - 1985) / The Construction worker

A muscular, real-life contruction worker (part-time). A look-alike of David Hodo. Only three months with the group when the band toured Asia in 1982.

Randy Jones / The Cowboy (1977 - 1981 + 1987 - 1990)
Born 9-13-1952.

Made an album in 1981 with "Pretty Woman" as single cut. Sang background vocals in a number of artist after atint with group. Responsible for Village People comeback in 1987 and became their first president of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd. (the Village People corporation). Made new album "Imagining Mandolines" and has new solo movie to his credit.

Jeff Olson / The Cowboy (1981 - 1985 + 1991 - )

Came back in 1991 to Replace Randy Jones twice. Originally a YSL model, he owns a bar in LA prior to his second stint with the group. Also prior to joining the band, he is member of a musical group of his own with Olson as lead singer. Sported a 'new' modern Cowboy look nowadays.

Jeff Olson, the Cowboy, was born in New York City, but his family moved to West Islip, a Long Island suburb, when he was six months old. As early as third grade he showed an interest in music and acting, participating in school plays and regularly singing with the school chorus. He developed a reputation for organizing his school bus buddies to sing along to pop songs on the way to grammar school, much to the dismay of the bus drivers.In High School, Jeff continued his interest in music with his involvement in numerous "garage bands," bands that never seemed to do much more than rehearse. After graduation, Jeff moved to Mitchell, South Dakota to begin his college career at Dakota Wesleyan University.There he studied biology, history and music. During his sophomore year, he once again became involved in a band that would eventually become known as STEPCHILD. As lead singer and percussionist, they toured the upper Midwest working as their own booking agent, management, roadies, sound engineer and wardrobe personnel. After 3 years, STEPCHILD ultimately disbanded and Jeff chose to relocate to the San Francisco/Bay area in California to pursue a music career. While in California, he was also chosen to co-star in the film "L.A. Crackdown." Jeff was then recruited by a fashion agent in San Francisco. After several years as a California model, his agency sent him to New York and then to an affiliated agency in Paris. Jeff enjoyed his life in Paris and it wasn't long before Paris felt as familiar as his own native New York. Strangely, one night out with friends at a local restaurant frequented by models and industry people, Jeff was introduced to a certain Frenchman who was known as a successful music producer for such big name groups as The Richie Family and Village People. It was a disappointingly brief meeting for Jeff who never kept a musical career very far from his thoughts. As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approached in the autumn of 1980, he made plans to return to the States to spend time with family.

Back in New York that fall, he received a call from a friend telling him of an audition notice that appeared in one of the trade papers seeking a singer/dancer for a pop group. Things happened very fast that fall. He hadn't been back from France for more than two weeks before he found himself auditioning for the famous French music producer he had met just weeks prior, Mr. Jacques Morali. The very same day he was told that he had been selected and that he was now the cowboy of the group know as Village People. During the late 1980's, Mr. Olson owned and operated a sports bar in the L.A. area.

Currently he is a Connecticut resident and a member of the Board of Directors of Sixuvus Ltd.(the Village People corporation).

Glenn Hughes / The Biker (1977 - 1995)
Born 7-18-1950.

One of the most recognized members of the Disco group "The Village People", performer Glenn R. Hughes was a real-life Brooklyn biker before adopting that image for the campy band that dominated club and dance music charts through the 1970s and 80s. Hughes, whose career with the band continued through the 80s and 90s and spawned a solo club act in the 1990s died March 4th, 2001 in Manhattan, New York after battling lung cancer.

Born July 18th, 1950, Glenn R. Hughes was working as a toll collector for the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel when he answered an advertisement in a 1977 trade publication seeking "macho" singers with moustaches. Hughes responded to the ad, placed by record producer Jacques Morali, who had already sold Casablanca Records (a top Disco label whose artists included Donna Summer) on the premise of a music act that emulated those found in Greenwich Village clubs. Morali had been inspired by the flamboyant act of professional club dancer Felipe Rose, who incorporated his Native American descendancy into his act. Hughes joined Rose and four other performers including lead singer Victor Willis as a member of the six-man act dubbed "The Village People".

Hughes, who was in real life a motorcycle fanatic who kept his own road machine parked inside his New York home became the "Leatherman" in the band's line up, decked out in black leather motorcycle gear and sporting an extravagant handlebar moustache. The prefabricated act also sported cowboy, construction worker and military personas, while lead vocalist Willis was costumed as a police officer and Rose retained his inter-tribal Native American costume. Hughes and his band mates were given a crash course in the synchronized dance choreography that typified the band's live shows before the band was launched in the less inhibited music market of England in 1977. Hughes and his band mates became overnight sensations with the #1 British single "San Francisco" the same year.

Hughes soon found himself one of the best recognized figures of the Disco era when "The Village People" next conquered America, gracing magazine covers and making guest appearances on a slew of music and variety programs on television. While the band's act and double entendre song lyrics had been calculated to target the "Gay community", mainstream audiences quickly embraced "The Village People", who scored top-of-the-chart hits with "YMCA", "Macho Man", "Go West" and "Key West". Hughes and his band mates were surprised when their single "In the Navy" was used as a recruiting campaign anthem for the US Navy and Naval Reserves. With the full support of the War Department, Hughes and his band mates were taped performing aboard a US Navy Destroyer as part of the recruitment campaign, the footage and the hit song being used in television ads for the recruiting drive until the Pentagon demanded that the ads be dropped in light of The Village People public image as a pro-homosexual group.

Shortly after the Navy campaign crumbled it was revealed that Felipe Rose was the only member of the group who lived an alternative lifestyle, and Hughes, a straight member of The Village People, was attacked by the gay community for purportedly exploiting the minority's stereotypes. Despite criticism from what had been their target market, Hughes and The Village People enjoyed Gold Record sales, Grammy nominations, and top spots on the Disco and R&B charts. Hughes performed on such fast selling albums as the debut "The Village People", "Cruisin'", "Macho Man", "Go West" and "Live & Sleazy". With and without his band mates, Hughes was a frequent featured guest on TV shows, Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve celebration, and was hand picked by "Playboy" magazine founder Hugh Hefner to appear on television specials broadcast from the famed Playboy Mansion.

By 1980, Disco was dying and bad decisions by Jacques Morali (notably the band's appearance in the film "Can't Stop the Music") damaged the band's record sales. When Morali took the band into a foray as New Wave Romantics in 1981, Hughes was one of the first band members to stop the silliness if not the music: The Village People disbanded, only to reform at Hughes's urging in 1987 with their own company. Hughes was one of the original members to tour with the revived Village People, which became the focus of an E! Entertainment Network documentary. Hughes was active with the group for nearly a decade, departing to launch his own successful New York cabaret act in 1996. In New York, Hughes was known for storming the city streets on his custom Harley Davidson motorcycle until diagnosed with lung cancer. Glenn R. Hughes died at his Manhattan home on March 4th, 2001 at the age of 50. He was buried in his favorite riding leathers at his own request. Unmarried at the time of his death, Glenn Hughes left no immediate survivors.
(From 'The Internet Obituary Network')

Eric Anzalone / The Biker (1995 - present)

Eric Anzalone (2nd Leatherman/Biker) Late 1995 - early 1997. Returned in late 1997 - present. Went on hiatus briefly in 1997 to give way to original Biker, Glenn Hughes to tour with group. Permanently replaced Hughes because of poor health. Have many musical experience and acting prior from joining the band. The youngest band member to date.

Eric is the newest member of Village People. He was born in Dayton, Ohio but grew up in Santa Barbara, California. As a graduate of San Marcos High School, he joins a special list of alumni including ER's Anthony Edwards, actor Eric Stoltz, Tony nominee ("The Will Rogers Follies") Cady Huffman (his high school girlfriend!), and Dean Dinning, bass player from Toad the Wet Sprocket. He studied theatre, with a music minor, at the University of Miami, Florida.

Eric performed in various stage productions around the world. He killed many brain cells in the role of Berger in the European tour of HAIR, was a soloist performing Broadway standards with the Bratislavian Orchestra, and sang on the high seas for Princess Cruises. He starred as the purple-masked Donatello in the world tour of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles following the "Turtles" album release Coming Out Of Their Shells. He again donned the "extremely comfortable" green suit, and this time lent his voice as well, but as Raphael in the films A TURTLES' CHRISTMAS and TURTLE TUNES.

In the 1980's, Eric was the frontman for the Los Angeles based heavy-metal band PARADIGM and he has written and performed with a few other grunge/thrash bands over the years. He is also the guitarist in the grungy-alternative band SIR.

Beginning in November 1995, Eric took over the role of the Biker/Leatherman. He continues to act and do voice overs and he is writing a screenplay about two homeless men in New York City.

Eric's hobbies include diving, cooking, reading, golf and writing music. His favorite thing to do on the road is going out to a good dinner while enjoying a great book (a pasttime he learned from David Hodo who usually supplies the books).

He is now a New Jersey resident with his wife Jennifer (formerly from New York City) and their new daughter Samantha Reyne Anzalone, born September 1998.

Bill Whitfield (2002 and 2004) / The Construction worker

Temporary substitute for David Hodo in 2 or 3 concert performances.

Alex Timmerman (2003) / The Soldier

A sub for Alex Briley in one concert that year.

(Edited from 'The Village People: A Bio' by Scruff S.E. at Zombie Nation E-Zine)

Movie and TV appearances

Je te tiens, tu me tiens par la barbichette (France / 1979)

Can't stop the music (USA / Color / 118 min. / 1980)

The Love Boat (TV-series Episode # 4.7 - 22 November 1980)

The best of Village People (Video / USA / Color / 73 min. / 1993)

Married... with Children (TV-series Episode # 8.7 - 24 October 1993)

Feathers and leather: The story of the Village People (Video documentary / 1999)

Village People : The E! True Hollywood Story (TV documentary / 2000)

American Bandstand's 50th Anniversary Celebration (TV / 2002)

Disco Ball... A 30-Year Celebration, The (TV / 2003)

On the Internet

The Official Village People Web Site

Felipe Rose

Randy Jones - Original Cowboy of Village People

Intervieuw with Henri Belolo

Music Videos (From www.youtube.com)
Village People - Macho Man (Music Video) Village People - In The Navy (Music Video) Village People - YMCA (Music Video) Village People - San Francisco (Music Video) Village People - Sex Over the Phone (Music Video) Village People - Can't Stop the Music (Live) Village People - YMCA (Music Laden) Village People - Go West (TV Performance) Village People - Milk Shake Song (From 'Can't Stop The Music') Village People - Performance on Japanese TV 90's Village People - Live at Ana Maria Brazil 90's Village People - Just A Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody (Music Video) Village People - Ready For The 80s (From 'Can't Stop The Music) Village People - New York City 1985 (Music Video) Village People - 5 O'Clock In The Morning 1981 (Music Video) Village People - In The Navy (1996 Music Video) Village People feat. Die Arzte - YMCA (Live) Village People - I Love You To Death (From 'Can't Stop The Music') Village People - Far Away Nach America (Music Video)

Music Videos (From www.youtube.com)