Alicia Keys Biography: Life and Career of the Singer and Actress
Early Musical Interest
Elton John Biography: Early Years (1947-1976)
Alicia Augello Cook was born January 25th, 1981 in New York City. After learning to play piano as a child and enrolling in music class, Cook graduated as valedictorian of the Professional Performing Arts School at age 16.
Demo
With the help of a manager and her future A&R rep, Cook put together a demo and showcase. After landing a deal with Columbia Records in the mid-‘90s, she left her studies at Columbia University to pursue music.
Clive Davis
She made her first recordings with the label under the name Alicia Keys. However, she parted ways with Columbia after only two years. She then reached out to music impresario Clive Davis, who signed her to Arista Records.
Movie Soundtracks
Top 10 Movie Theme Songs You Forgot Were Awesome
When that company folded, she followed Davis to J Records and made contributions to the “Shaft” and “Dr. Dolittle 2” movie soundtracks in the new millennium.
Debut
Top 10 Debut Singles
Keys released her debut, Songs in A Minor, in 2001. The R&B and soul disc debuted at number one on the Billboard Chart and introduced Keys as a vocal powerhouse. It sold almost a quarter million copies in its first week, and went on to sell over 12 million worldwide. On the strength of the number one hit “Fallin,’” and the top ten single “A Woman's Worth,” Keys became the best selling artist of 2001 and only the second solo female act to win five Grammy Awards in one year.
Successful Sophomore Effort
Top 10 Bands That Became More Successful with a New Singer
Her follow-up, The Diary of Alicia Keys, did not disappoint. The album sold over half a million copies in the first week, which was the best first-week record of any female artist in 2003. The Grammy-winning album entered the Billboard 200 at number one and eventually sold over eight million copies internationally. It also spawned four top twenty singles, including the top five hits, "You Don't Know My Name" and “If I Ain't Got You.”
Usher
Usher Biography: Life and Career of the R and B Singer
Her success continued the next year when she collaborated with Usher on the chart-topping smash “My Boo.”
Quiet Times
In 2005, Keys’ collection of poetry made The New York Times Bestsellers list and she had another number one with the live Unplugged album. 2006 was a mostly quiet year for the singer as she took some time away from the spotlight.
Acting
Singer Shawn Hook Talks Acting, Career Highlights
Next up, Keys earned praise for her natural acting ability in the movies “Smokin' Aces” and “The Nanny Diaries.”
Another Number One Album
Cher Biography: Life and Career of the Singer and Actress
In 2007, she continued her successful run with As I Am: the record went to number one and sold almost three-quarters of a million copies in the first week alone, and once again she received multiple Grammy nominations for the disc. Its highest charting singles were the top twenty track "Like You'll Never See Me Again” and the number one tune, “No One.”
James Bond
James Hetfield Visits Ukraine Soldiers | Rick Allen Speaks About His Attack | Andrew Hagar Interview
The next year, Keys teamed up with Jack White of The White Stripes for “Another Way to Die,” which was the theme song for the James Bond flick, “Quantum of Solace.” She also starred in the drama, “The Secret Life of Bees.”
Jay-Z and Another Album
Whitney Houston Biography: Life and Career of the Singer and Actress
In 2009, Keys notched her fourth number one single and another Grammy for her joint effort with Jay-Z: "Empire State of Mind.” Later that year, she kept her hot streak alive by dropping The Element of Freedom. Premiering at the second spot of the Billboard 200, it sold over 400 thousand copies in its first week.
Family
Judas Priest VS Rock n Roll Hall of Fame | Audience Music Suggestions | A Family Curse Interview
The next few years saw Keys marry hip hop recording artist Swizz Beatz and give birth to their son. She even went behind the camera to direct a film project about women with breast cancer.
“Girl on Fire”
Top 10 Girl Power Songs
But soon, she was back with another record: Girl on Fire was unveiled in 2012, and upon its release, the title track quickly began receiving widespread airplay.
Multitalented
Alicia Keys is a rare artist who is in a class of her own. With a successful career and a loving family, she is an inspiration to women everywhere and she injects positivity into everything she does. Simply put, "This girl is on fire."
