Donna Summer to Be Honored with Long-Awaited Statue in Her…..
Boston, Massachusetts – In a celebration long in the making, legendary disco queen Donna Summer is set to be immortalized with a statue in her hometown of Boston. The city will honor the five-time Grammy Award-winning singer with a permanent sculpture, commemorating her immense contributions to music and culture. The statue, expected to be unveiled later this year, will be placed in a prominent public space near the Back Bay neighborhood, where Summer spent her formative years.
Often dubbed the “Queen of Disco,” Donna Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines on December 31, 1948, in Boston’s Mission Hill neighborhood. Her powerful voice, dazzling charisma, and genre-defining hits like “Hot Stuff,” “Last Dance,” “Bad Girls,” and “She Works Hard for the Money” made her a global icon during the 1970s and 1980s. Her legacy continues to resonate with fans across generations and has paved the way for countless artists in the realms of pop, R\&B, dance, and electronic music.
The decision to erect a statue in her honor has been met with widespread acclaim and excitement from fans, city officials, and the music industry. “Donna Summer is not just a music legend—she is a Boston legend,” said Mayor Michelle Wu in a statement. “Her story is one of talent, perseverance, and pride. This statue will stand as a reminder of her indelible impact on the world and her roots in our city.”
The statue will be crafted by acclaimed sculptor Nina Akamu, known for her dynamic and expressive public artworks. The design is said to capture Summer mid-performance, microphone in hand, exuding the energy and vibrancy that defined her career. City planners are working with Summer’s family to ensure the tribute authentically reflects her spirit and legacy.
Summer’s daughters, Brooklyn Sudano and Amanda Sudano-Ramirez, both artists themselves, expressed deep gratitude for the upcoming tribute. “This means the world to our family,” said Brooklyn. “Our mother loved Boston and always carried it with her wherever she went. To see her honored in this way, in the city that shaped her, is incredibly meaningful.”
The statue is part of a broader cultural initiative by the City of Boston to recognize notable figures from diverse backgrounds who have shaped the city’s history. With increasing calls for representation in public monuments, Summer’s statue marks a milestone for both music history and the city’s commitment to celebrating its rich and multifaceted cultural heritage.
Born into a devout Christian family, Summer got her musical start singing in church choirs. She left Boston for New York in her late teens, and soon after, found herself in Europe performing in musical theater. It was in Germany that she met music producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, with whom she would create some of the most defining tracks of the disco era. Their collaborations broke new ground in electronic music and redefined pop music production.
Though Summer passed away from cancer in 2012 at the age of 63, her influence remains ever-present. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 further cemented her legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century.
The planned unveiling ceremony, tentatively scheduled for late summer, is expected to draw a large crowd, including fans, dignitaries, and musical guests. It will feature live performances of Summer’s biggest hits, reflections from her family and fellow musicians, and community celebrations throughout the city.
In addition to the statue, the city will launch a series of educational and musical programs in local schools inspired by Summer’s life and music. The goal, according to city officials, is to use her story as a tool for inspiring young people, particularly young women and aspiring artists of color.
“This is more than just a statue,” said City Councilor Julia Mejia, a vocal supporter of the project. “It’s about recognizing excellence that was born right here in Boston. It’s about telling our children that greatness can come from their own neighborhoods. Donna Summer’s voice lit up the world—and now her memory will shine just as brightly here at home.”
For many longtime residents, the statue is a long overdue recognition of a woman whose voice defined a generation. “Donna brought people together with her music,” said local music historian Keith Maddox. “In a time of division, she united dance floors around the world. That’s a legacy worth celebrating.”
As Boston prepares to welcome this tribute to one of its most dazzling stars, the spirit of Donna Summer will once again rise—this time in bronze—where it all began. The statue will stand not only as a monument to a musical legend but also as a symbol of the city’s pride in one of its most luminous daughters.
