The YMCA was a known gay hookup spot in San Francisco, which was brimming with Navy men returning from World War II. (Fittingly, the Village People also have a song called “In the Navy.”) ...

the Village People were the epitome of a novelty band, destined to burn out quickly after their frothy disco songs — “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” and especially “Y.M.C.A.,” each ...