Barry White Honored with Statue in Hometown of…..
In a long-awaited and heartfelt tribute, the city of Galveston, Texas is honoring one of its most celebrated sons—legendary music icon Barry White—with a permanent statue in his hometown. The commemoration marks a significant moment for fans, music historians, and the community alike, as the city pays homage to an artist whose voice and legacy have left an indelible mark on the world.
The statue, scheduled to be unveiled in a public ceremony later this year, will be installed in one of Galveston’s most popular cultural spaces—an area that will now become a site of musical pilgrimage. Local officials, community leaders, and members of Barry White’s family are expected to attend the unveiling, along with fans from across the country and abroad. The sculpture will portray White in his signature pose—microphone in hand, suited in classic stage attire, exuding the powerful presence and warmth that became synonymous with his music.
Barry White, born on September 12, 1944, in Galveston, spent his early childhood years in the coastal city before moving to Los Angeles. While his rise to international fame took place in California, his roots in Texas remained a point of personal pride and cultural identity. Throughout his life, White often spoke of his Southern heritage and the early musical influences he encountered in Galveston.
Over the course of his career, Barry White became one of the most distinctive and recognizable voices in the history of popular music. Known for his deep, velvety baritone, romantic ballads, and lush orchestral arrangements, he was a pioneer of soul, R\&B, and disco. His hits like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything,” and “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up” topped charts around the world and became enduring anthems of love and passion.
White’s career spanned more than four decades, during which he sold over 100 million records and won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards and numerous accolades for his contributions to music. He was also a gifted composer, arranger, and producer who played a key role in shaping the sound of the 1970s. His Love Unlimited Orchestra brought symphonic soul to the forefront, influencing generations of musicians across genres.
The statue project was initiated by local arts advocates and community members who felt it was long overdue for Galveston to officially recognize White’s monumental legacy. The initiative gained momentum after years of planning and fundraising, supported by public and private donations, as well as contributions from music lovers across the country. The city council approved the location and design last year, and the project quickly moved into production.
Local sculptor Ray Sandoval, who was selected to create the statue, described the commission as a “labor of love.” Sandoval noted that his goal was to capture not only White’s physical likeness but also the “soulful essence” that made his music so timeless. “Barry White’s voice could melt hearts and move crowds. I wanted this statue to reflect that power and emotion,” Sandoval said.
Community leaders believe the statue will also serve as a source of inspiration for young artists and musicians in the region. “Barry White represents excellence in the arts,” said Galveston Mayor Craig Brown. “His legacy reminds us that someone from our city can rise to global prominence and change the world through talent and determination.”
The statue’s unveiling will be accompanied by a weekend-long celebration that includes live music performances, panel discussions about White’s influence, and a special tribute concert featuring contemporary R\&B artists and guest performers. A commemorative plaque detailing White’s biography and musical achievements will also be installed near the statue, offering visitors insight into his life and career.
Barry White passed away in 2003 at the age of 58, but his music continues to captivate audiences and influence artists. His recordings have been sampled by countless hip-hop and R\&B musicians, and his romantic soundtracks remain popular in film, television, and pop culture. The statue in Galveston is expected to become not only a local landmark but also a national point of pride.
For fans, the monument is a long-overdue gesture of recognition for a man whose voice helped define a genre and era. For Galveston, it’s a celebration of hometown pride and a reminder that great art can come from anywhere—even a small island city on the Gulf Coast.
As preparations for the unveiling continue, anticipation is building among residents and music lovers alike. The Barry White statue stands as a symbol of enduring love—not just the kind he sang about so memorably, but the kind that communities show when they honor those who gave them something unforgettable.
In the words of Barry White himself: “Love ain’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.” Now, in the heart of Galveston, love has found a permanent place to remember him.
