St. Louis-raised music star Nelly celebrates 50th birthday
ST. LOUIS – Nelly, widely celebrated for putting St. Louis on the map with his music, celebrates his 50th birthday on Saturday.
Nelly, whose formal name is Cornell I. Haynes Jr., has won three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards over his decades-long career, producing smash hits such as "Country Grammar," "Hot in Herre" and "St. Louie."
Born in Texas on Nov. 2, 1974, Nelly moved to St. Louis early in his childhood and proudly considers it his home. He is a graduate of University City High School in St. Louis County and he was also recognized as a talented athlete growing up, even briefly pursuing a career in baseball after high school .
Nelly also co-founded the locally-bred rap group St. Lunatics with his childhood friends, which led to success of hit single "Midwest Swing" and several other fan favorites.
Occasionally, you can spot Nelly can be spotted cheering on his hometown St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. He also helped the franchise unveil their City Connect uniforms earlier this season, using an expression he helped popularize "The Lou" on their jerseys.
A close friend tells FOX 2 that Nelly had an opportunity to celebrate his milestone birthday early on Halloween night at an event called "HalloWestern" in Atlanta.
