Grammy winner Donna Summer to be honored with statue in Boston Earlier Today

Grammy Winner Donna Summer to Be Honored with Statue in Boston Earlier Today

 

Boston, MA – Earlier today, the city of Boston came alive with music, celebration, and emotion as Grammy Award-winning disco queen Donna Summer was posthumously honored with a statue in her hometown. The unveiling ceremony, held at Copley Square, drew a massive crowd of fans, dignitaries, fellow musicians, and family members to pay tribute to one of the most iconic voices in American music history.

Donna Summer, born LaDonna Adrian Gaines, was a Boston native who rose to global fame in the 1970s and 1980s as the undisputed “Queen of Disco.” Her hits like “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” and “She Works Hard for the Money” defined a generation and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. The new bronze statue, standing eight feet tall and capturing Summer mid-performance in one of her signature elegant gowns, now graces the plaza across from the Boston Public Library—a lasting symbol of her enduring legacy and cultural impact.

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A Star Returns to Her Roots

The ceremony began just after 10 a.m. with remarks from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who declared June 1 “Donna Summer Day” across the city. “Donna Summer’s music helped shape the sound of a generation, and her story began right here in Boston,” Wu said. “She broke boundaries, inspired millions, and never forgot where she came from. Today, we make sure Boston never forgets her.”

Summer was born and raised in Boston’s Mission Hill neighborhood, where she began singing in church as a child. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a voice that would later take over airwaves and dance floors around the world. The singer’s musical journey took her from Boston to Munich and eventually to superstardom, but her family said she always spoke fondly of her hometown.

“Donna loved this city,” said her sister Mary Ellen Bernard, who performed backup vocals for Summer throughout her career. “Even when she was performing at the biggest venues, her heart was always with the people and streets that shaped her.”

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The Statue: A Tribute to Artistry and Empowerment

The statue was sculpted by world-renowned artist Bryan McCarthy, who spent over a year researching and designing the work. He aimed to capture not just Summer’s physical likeness, but the energy and confidence that defined her stage presence.

“Donna Summer wasn’t just a singer—she was a powerhouse, a force of nature,” McCarthy explained. “This statue shows her in a moment of triumph, singing with everything she had. That’s the Donna we all remember.”

Summer’s statue is adorned with intricate details, from the subtle texture of her gown to the etched microphone in her hand. At the base of the sculpture, engraved in both English and sheet music, are lyrics from her 1978 Grammy-winning hit “Last Dance”:

> “So let’s dance the last dance tonight…”

 

A nearby plaque includes a short biography and a QR code that links to an interactive mobile experience, offering fans information about her life, her music, and her contributions to culture.

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Family, Fans, and Fellow Artists Celebrate the Queen of Disco

Thousands gathered to witness the historic moment. Many wore sequins, bell bottoms, and disco-era memorabilia in tribute to Summer’s signature style. Several dance troupes performed choreography set to her classic songs, and a full gospel choir opened the event with a soulful rendition of “On the Radio.”

Among the notable guests were fellow musicians Nile Rodgers, Gloria Gaynor, and Chaka Khan, all of whom praised Summer’s artistry and trailblazing spirit.

“Donna was more than just a voice. She was a storyteller, a leader, a mother, and a fighter,” said Chaka Khan during her speech. “She opened doors for so many of us. This statue isn’t just for her—it’s for every woman who ever dared to sing her truth.”

Rodgers added, “She brought soul to disco and dignity to pop. Donna’s voice was a lightning bolt, and now it’s immortalized in bronze.”

Summer’s three daughters—Brooklyn, Mimi, and Amanda Sudano—were also present, visibly moved by the ceremony. Amanda, one half of the musical duo Johnnyswim, spoke on behalf of the family.

“Our mom taught us to be strong, to be creative, and to give back. She believed that music could heal, that love was the ultimate message,” Amanda said through tears. “Seeing this statue here, in the city where she first found her voice, is something we will cherish forever.”

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A Legacy Beyond Music

Though widely known for her music, Donna Summer’s legacy extends far beyond the disco era. She was a pioneer who challenged societal norms and industry expectations. Her embrace of sensuality, spirituality, and social themes in her music made her a complex figure who resisted easy categorization.

Throughout her career, Summer was also a committed philanthropist. She supported numerous causes including cancer research, children’s education, women’s shelters, and AIDS awareness. Her family has continued her charitable work through the Donna Summer Foundation, which sponsors scholarships and music education programs for underserved youth.

“Donna believed that music and compassion could change the world,” said Rev. Marcus Hill, a community leader and longtime friend of the Summer family. “She didn’t just sing about working hard—she lived it. And she gave back at every step.”

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Boston’s Cultural Renaissance Embraces Its Icons

The statue unveiling comes at a time when Boston is experiencing a cultural renaissance. In recent years, the city has prioritized honoring its local legends, from sports figures to writers to civil rights activists. Donna Summer’s statue joins a growing collection of public monuments that reflect the city’s diversity and rich cultural heritage.

Councilwoman Shontae Gibson, who championed the statue initiative, called the moment a “milestone in Boston’s artistic recognition.”

“For too long, our monuments have failed to tell the full story of who built and inspired this city,” Gibson said. “Today we honor a Black woman, a Boston native, and an international superstar who shattered ceilings with every note she sang. We’re finally telling the whole story.”

Plans are already underway for school tours, educational exhibits, and music festivals centered around Summer’s legacy. The Boston Public Library is also set to launch a permanent Donna Summer archive, featuring rare recordings, personal memorabilia, and never-before-seen footage donated by her family.

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A Global Icon, Remembered at Home

Though Donna Summer passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer, her influence remains stronger than ever. Her music has experienced renewed popularity thanks to streaming platforms, documentaries, and Broadway adaptations. Just last year, “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” completed a successful world tour, drawing new audiences into her world.

Billboard editor-in-chief Hannah Karp, who attended the event, said Summer’s story resonates deeply in today’s cultural climate.

“She was ahead of her time in so many ways. From her groundbreaking production techniques with Giorgio Moroder to her fearless expression of womanhood and faith, Donna continues to inspire today’s artists across genres,” Karp said. “She laid the groundwork for modern pop, electronic music, and empowerment anthems.”

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A Celebration That Will Continue

The day’s festivities concluded with a massive dance party in the square, led by a live DJ spinning a seamless mix of Summer’s greatest hits. As the sun began to set over Boston, the statue stood bathed in golden light, a permanent fixture in the city’s cultural landscape.

“I hope people see this statue and remember the joy, the soul, and the power of Donna Summer,” said Mayor Wu in closing. “Her music helped people feel seen, celebrated, and alive. And now, Boston will forever celebrate her.”

With tears, laughter, music, and movement, the city of Boston gave a fitting tribute to a legend whose spirit continues to live on—not just in bronze, but in every beat, every lyric, and every heart she ever touched.

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