The Village People construction worker David Hodo turns 77

Hodo secured his place in Pop Culture with his famous character

The Village People construction worker David Hodo turns 77



David Hodo was born Richard Davis Hodo on July 7, 1947, in San Andreas, California. Growing up in a small town, Hodo developed a love for performing arts early in life. His interest in music and dance led him to pursue a career in entertainment, studying at California State University, Sacramento, where he earned a degree in speech and theater.
After completing his education, Hodo moved to New York City to chase his Broadway dreams. He performed in various stage productions, honing his skills as a singer and dancer. Before his big break, Hodo worked various odd jobs, including construction, which would later become an ironic twist in his career.
David Hodo’s career took a significant turn in 1978 when he joined the disco group The Village People. The group was created by French producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, who aimed to target the gay disco audience with a mix of catchy music and flamboyant characters. Hodo was cast as the “Construction Worker,” one of the group’s iconic characters, complete with a hard hat and tool belt.
The Village People quickly rose to fame with their hit songs like “Macho Man,” “Y.M.C.A.,” “In the Navy,” and “Go West.” Hodo’s charismatic performances and the group’s distinctive style made them a major force in the disco era. The Village People became known for their energetic performances, catchy tunes, and the ability to engage with diverse audiences.
After decades of performing with The Village People, David Hodo retired from the group in 2013. However, he occasionally makes appearances and participates in events related to the group’s legacy. Even in retirement, Hodo remains a beloved figure among fans of disco and pop culture enthusiasts.
David Hodo has kept much of his personal life private, but it is known that he has always been open about his sexuality and the influence it had on his career. As a member of The Village People, he embraced the group’s camp and flamboyant image, which resonated with both gay and mainstream audiences. Hodo has spoken about the joy of performing and the impact the group had during a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment.



Look back at the 1978 music video “Macho Man” by the Village People featuring David Hodo as the construction man

Watch more 1970’s related videos

 

Suggest a correction

Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.



Comments

comments