Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in New York City, is a celebrated singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. Raised in Hell’s Kitchen by her mother, she started playing classical piano at age seven and wrote her first song by twelve. This early love for music shaped her into one of the most influential voices in modern soul and R&B.

Her debut album, Songs in A Minor (2001), was a game-changer, blending classical piano with soulful vocals and contemporary R&B. It earned her five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for the hit single “Fallin’.” Alicia followed up with powerhouse albums like The Diary of Alicia Keys and As I Am, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Her duet with Jay-Z, Empire State of Mind, became a cultural anthem. Over the years, she’s collected 16 Grammy Awards and sold more than 90 million records globally.

Outside of music, Alicia has expanded her creative footprint. She penned the best-selling memoir More Myself and brought her personal story to Broadway with the musical Hell’s Kitchen, which won a Grammy in 2025 for Best Musical Theater Album.

A passionate advocate for equality and wellness, she co-founded Keep a Child Alive, supporting families affected by HIV/AIDS, and launched Keys Soulcare, a lifestyle brand promoting self-love and care. Alicia Keys continues to inspire with her soulful artistry, fearless storytelling, and unwavering commitment to empowering others.