Wheeler, Jade: Eunice Kathleen Waymon came into this world on February 21, 1933, in the small town of Tryon, North Carolina.

She wasn't the first Waymon child, or the last, but she was the only one who sang before she could talk and found rhythm before she could walk. The only one with music on the inside.

There was music on the outside, too. Mama was forever singing church songs as she baked the biscuits and stirred the beans. And Daddy played the small upright piano.

Sometimes, when Mama was away, Daddy sat Eunice on his knee and put her fingers atop his as he played his favorite good-time jazz. Eunice learned so quickly, it wasn't long before Daddy was lounging on the porch listening to Eunice play all on her own.

Then suddenly, Daddy would whistle -- Quick! Mama's coming! -- and Eunice would slip into Mama's favorite hymn without missing a note.