Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said he hopes the statue the city unveiled Sunday of Frank Sinatra — its legendary native son — will be more than just a photo op for tourists.
“When visitors come to take photos or tip their hats, I hope this statue inspires them to follow their passion and to work hard until they turn their dreams into reality, just like he did,” Bhalla said.
The 6-foot-tall bronze sculpture, unveiled on what would have been Sinatra’s 106th birthday, is placed at Sinatra Park along the Hoboken waterfront.
It is meant to pay homage to an American icon considered one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. The monumental figure is depicted in a three-piece suit leaning against a flickering lamp post with his hat tipped to one side.
“It is truly a great honor to unveil this ode to Hoboken’s own Frank Sinatra,” Bhalla said. “This will not only memorialize him, but also the impact he has had on the city of Hoboken, its residents and American society.
The city of Hoboken commissioned the bronze sculpture by internationally recognized sculptor Carolyn D. Palmer at no expense to the taxpayer, using private donations totaling $100,000.
Those who look closely will also see Sinatra wearing his pinky ring, as Sinatra’s daughter, Tina Sinatra, sent one of her father’s rings to Palmer to incorporate in the sculpture. It’s one of the many details — and many reasons it took more than a year to create.
“It is truly an honor to try and capture the magic of Sinatra,” Palmer said. “His music and work is so inspiring and lives on. Having been loved by everyone, this sculpture means the world to me.”
The picturesque New York City skyline in the background reminds onlookers of his famous song “New York, New York.”
Hoboken, however, has made it clear over the years that Sinatra belongs to Jersey.
While this is the city’s first statue of Sinatra, Hoboken has several tributes, including Sinatra Park commemorated in 1998, the 1979 renaming of River Road to Sinatra Drive and a plaque outside the location where his childhood home once stood at 415 Monroe St., among others.
