The Market Street Railway, a nonprofit organization, has proposed naming a cable car after the late Tony Bennett. The singer, known for his iconic song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, passed away last week at the age of 96.
Bennett’s connection to the city is profound, not just through his music but through his lyric “To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars.”
Rick Laubscher, President of the Market Street Railway, stated that Bennett “has made cable cars famous all around the world and we have no doubt he has brought millions of people to SF from all around the world that might not have come.”
Currently, only three other cable cars are named after notable figures: Friedel Klussmann, who saved the cable car system, a conductor who was killed while working, and San Francisco Giant Willie Mays.
The Market Street Railway suggests placing Bennett’s name on a California Street car. This car would pass by his statue, the street named after him in Nob Hill, and the Fairmont Hotel, where he first performed his famous song about the city.
The decision to name a cable car after Bennett rests with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. If approved, a dedication could coincide with the 150th anniversary of the invention of the cable car.
As personal injury bloggers, we often delve into various aspects of local culture and heritage. This proposal highlights the significant influence of artists like Bennett on the cultural identity of cities and the ways in which such contributions can be honored.