Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys (born Alicia Augello Cook) is a celebrated American singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress. Growing up in Manhattan, she was largely raised by her mother, who recognised her musical talent early and enrolled her in classical piano lessons when she was seven. Keys attended the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, excelling academically and musically, and graduated at the age of 16 in order to pursue a career in music.

She burst onto the music scene with her 2001 debut album Songs in A Minor, which combined elements of classical piano, soul, R&B and jazz — and won her widespread critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. Over the years, she has released a string of successful albums such as The Diary of Alicia Keys, As I Am, The Element of Freedom, and Girl on Fire. Her piano-driven songwriting and rich, soulful voice have made her one of the best-selling artists of her generation, known for hit singles like “Fallin’,” “No One,” and her collaboration “Empire State of Mind” with Jay-Z.

Beyond music, Alicia Keys has also made her mark in acting, appearing in films like The Secret Life of Bees and Smokin’ Aces, and more recently co-creating and composing for the semi-autobiographical Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. Alongside her artistic career, she is a committed philanthropist, co-founding the non-profit Keep a Child Alive to support people affected by HIV/AIDS, and using her platform to speak on social justice issues.