Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming performance by The Buttertones

• Upcoming Cardinals game

• A deep-dive into the life of Nelly

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”

–Norton Juster

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In St. Louis, which bridge is noted for its innovative design and serves as a vital connection over the Mississippi River, offering pedestrian and bike paths alongside vehicle lanes?

A) The Eads Bridge

B) The Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge

C) The Martin Luther King Bridge

D) The Chain of Rocks Bridge

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

A) The St. Louis Jazz Festival

News

💼 Business

Legal battle forcing downtown St. Louis business to move. (Link)

East St. Louis newspaper ends production after 61 years. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway heading to Blues after Oilers decline to match offer sheets. (Link)

Scott has three hits to spark the Cardinals to 3-0 victory over the Brewers. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Sunnyside Gardens buys St. Louis Park location. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Mariners @ St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
September 6th | (More info)

⚽ Illinois State Redbirds at St. Louis Billikens Women’s Volleyball
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
September 7th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 The Buttertones
Old Rock House, St Louis
September 6th | (More info)

🎵 Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Coldplay
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, St Louis
Saturday, September 7th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of St. Louis with a focus on pedestrian pathways and green spaces” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

Anheuser-Busch Founded (1852) - Becoming the largest brewery in the U.S.

Anheuser-Busch, a cornerstone of the American brewing industry, embarked on its journey in 1852, founded in St. Louis, Missouri, by a group of German immigrants. Eberhard Anheuser, a prosperous soap and candle maker, acquired a struggling brewery named the Bavarian Brewery, which would later evolve into Anheuser-Busch. The pivotal transformation occurred when Adolphus Busch, Anheuser’s son-in-law and a visionary entrepreneur, joined the company. Embracing technological innovations and quality improvement, he revolutionized the brewing process, laying the groundwork for what would become a brewing empire.

Under the guidance of Adolphus Busch, Anheuser-Busch pioneered the use of refrigerated railcars and a network of icehouses, enabling the first successful national distribution of beer in the United States. This innovative approach, coupled with the introduction of Budweiser in 1876, marked a paradigm shift towards mass production and distribution of beer. Budweiser, with its distinct brewing process and taste, quickly ascended as the flagship product, setting the standard for American lagers. The strategic combination of quality products, aggressive marketing strategies, and distribution efficiencies propelled Anheuser-Busch to the forefront of the brewing industry.

By the early 20th century, Anheuser-Busch had definitively established itself as the largest brewery in the United States, a position it has maintained for much of its history. Spurred by relentless expansion, strategic acquisitions, and a portfolio of popular brands such as Budweiser, Busch, and Michelob, the company not only dominated the U.S. market but also marked its presence globally. Even amidst challenges like Prohibition, Anheuser-Busch adapted and persevered, eventually emerging as a symbol of American brewing excellence. Its remarkable journey from a modest St. Louis brewery to a global behemoth reflects a legacy of innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Famous People From St. Louis

Nelly (1974–)

Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. in Austin, Texas, in 1974, Nelly's family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, during his childhood, a city that would become central to his identity and music career. Growing up in University City, a suburb of St. Louis, Nelly's early life was steeped in the vibrant rhythms of hip-hop and R&B that pulsed through the city, setting the stage for his future in music.

The Formation of the St. Lunatics (1993-1999)

In the early '90s, Nelly formed the St. Lunatics, a hip-hop group that quickly became a local sensation. Their regional success was a testament to their synergy and Nelly’s charismatic contributions, but it was clear that Nelly's star shone particularly bright. This period honed his artistry and prepared him for the solo career that lay ahead.

Breaking Through: Country Grammar (2000)

Nelly's solo career skyrocketed with the release of "Country Grammar" in 2000. With its infectious title track and hits like “Ride Wit Me,” the album resonated with audiences nationwide, showcasing Nelly's unique blend of rap and melody. "Country Grammar" not only put St. Louis on the map in the hip-hop world but also earned Nelly his first taste of international fame.

Sustaining Success (2001-2004)

Following the triumph of Country Grammar, Nelly released Nellyville in 2002, further cementing his place in the music industry. Hits like Hot in Herre and Dilemma, featuring Kelly Rowland, dominated global charts, and Nellyville went on to be nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, showcasing Nelly's staying power as a leading artist in the 2000s.

Branching Out: Entrepreneurial Ventures and Acting (2005-2010)

Nelly's mid-career was characterized by his ventures into entrepreneurship and acting. He launched Apple Bottoms, a successful women's clothing line, and appeared in several films and TV shows. These endeavors showcased Nelly's versatility and business acumen, expanding his brand beyond music.

Return to Music and Reinvention (2011-2014)

In the early 2010s, Nelly returned his focus to music with the release of 5.0. Featuring the platinum hit “Just a Dream,” the album illustrated Nelly's ability to evolve with the changing music landscape, blending hip-hop with pop and R&B elements to create a sound that was both fresh and familiar.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement (Throughout Career)

Throughout his career, Nelly has been deeply committed to giving back to the community that raised him. From hosting charity concerts to support St. Louis education and youth programs to participating in Make-A-Wish events, Nelly has leveraged his success to make a significant impact on St. Louis and beyond.

Legacy in Music and Beyond (2015-Present)

As the years have progressed, Nelly's influence in music and pop culture has remained undiminished. With multiple Grammy Awards and recognition as one of the best-selling rap artists in American music history, his legacy is marked not only by his chart-topping hits but also by his contribution to the growth of hip-hop as a mainstream genre.

St. Louis and Its Hero (Throughout Career)

Nelly's connection to St. Louis is evident not just in his music but in his continuous effort to uplift the city. Whether through his lyrics that often reference his hometown or his investments in the local community, Nelly has remained a proud ambassador for St. Louis, firmly rooting his identity in the city that shaped him.

A Living Legend (1974–)

Today, Nelly stands as a titan in the music industry, a symbol of the early 2000s musical zeitgeist, and a trailblazer in blending genres. From rough beginnings to the height of global fame, his journey is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the enduring power of talent.

Key Achievements of Nelly:

• Won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Solo Performance for Hot in Herre.

• Country Grammar" and "Nellyville" albums multi-platinum certified.

• Venture into successful business endeavors including Apple Bottoms clothing line.

• Significant philanthropic contributions to education and youth in St. Louis.

• Pivotal role in catapulting St. Louis into the national hip-hop scene.

Nelly's journey from a hopeful rapper in St. Louis to an international music and business icon encapsulates the quintessential American dream. His seamless blend of rap, hip-hop, and pop created anthems that defined a generation. Beyond the charts, his enduring commitment to his roots and philanthropic efforts have solidified his status not just as an artist, but as a community leader and innovator in the music industry.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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