Happy Birthday Tina Turner!

I'd always thought my love for singer Tina Turner was because I'm a child of the 80's. But I recently learned we have a deeper connection than that. And since today is her birthday, I thought I'd share.

I've long known that Tina, born Anna Mae Bullock, hails from the tiny, unincorporated community of Nutbush in a rural area of West Tennessee. You've probably heard her song "Nutbush City Limits." What I didn't know was that as a child, she also lived in Knoxville (my current home) and performed on stage for the first time at a local church, Spring Hill Baptist. I wish there were a recording of that performance!

She's had an interesting, albeit difficult life, but her success is a testament to her resilience. I like to think it's because of her southern upbringing. Today is Tina Turner's 73rd birthday and I'm sure she's celebrating it in style.

Happy Birthday Tina! You're simply the best!