This day (January 25, 1981), in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, New York, is born Alicia Keys, an American singer and songwriter
Tracklist :
1 . This One’s For The Children (1990)
2 . Little Drummer Girl (1998)
3 . Fur Elise / Fallin (Oprah 2001)
4 . At Last Call With Carson Daly (2002)
5 . You Don’t Know My Name (AOL Sessions)
6 . My Boo (w/ Usher, AMA, 2004)
7 . Unbreakable (2005)
8 . No One (2007)
10 . Clocks (w/ Coldplay, 2008)
11 . Empire State of Mind (w/ Jay-Z, AMA, 2009)
12 . Medley (Fifa world cup opening ceremony, 2010)
13 . A Place Of My Own (iHeartRadio, 2011)
14 . Brand New Me (iTunes Festival, 2012)
15 . Girl on Fire (in Manila 2013)
16 . It’s On Again (w/Kendrick Lamar, The Amazing Spider-Man 2)
17 . Hallelujah (2016)
18 . TUPAC medley (2017)
19 . Jay Z Tribute (2018)
20 . w/ Miguel – Show Me Love (2019)
Tracklist :
Killer Joe . Whisper Not . Dear Kathy . I’m Always Dancin’ To The Music . I Remember Clifford . Out of the Past . Music To Think By . Just By Myself . I Didn’t Know What Time It Was . Autumn Leaves .
Alicia Keys: The Evolution of an Artist
Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook in 1981, is a multifaceted artist whose career spans music, songwriting, producing, acting, and filmmaking. Raised in New York City, she describes the city as a mix of roughness and opportunity that shaped her identity. As the child of a Jamaican-born Black father and an Irish-Italian mother, Keys credits her biracial background for giving her a deep appreciation of diverse cultures. Raised primarily by her mother after her parents’ separation, she found in her mother a source of unwavering support.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
From a young age, Keys displayed a natural affinity for the arts. She started taking dance and music lessons as a child, but it was at age seven that the piano became her passion. Studying classical music, she immersed herself in the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin, mastering the Suzuki method. Her talent flourished at the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan, where her vocal coach introduced her to Jeff Robinson, who would become both her manager and close friend.
Breaking Into Music
Initially hesitant to pursue a solo career, Keys was encouraged by her manager to embrace her unique abilities as a pianist, musician, and songwriter. Choosing the stage name “Keys” to symbolize her connection to the piano and the concept of opening doors, she released her debut album, *Songs in A Minor*, in 2001. The album’s groundbreaking success set the stage for a career that has since earned her multiple Grammy Awards and global acclaim.
Her second album, *The Diary of Alicia Keys* (2003), offered a deeply personal look into her life, reflecting her belief that music serves as a journal for self-expression. Blending classical influences with soul, R&B, and hip-hop, Keys incorporates intricate rhythms, often using a “3-4” time signature, and crafts anthems that bring people together. Her music is a medium for experimentation, emotion, and innovation.
Crafting Her Sound
As both a songwriter and producer, Keys is known for her meticulous approach to music creation. Songs like “If I Ain’t Got You,” which she wrote and produced, demonstrate her ability to craft timeless hits. Collaborating with artists like Kanye West and Timbaland, she often co-produces her work with Krucial. Her creative process extends even to her time on tour, where she uses a mobile studio to capture inspiration on the go. For Keys, music is a therapeutic act—a beautiful balance of selfishness and selflessness that connects her to her true self.
Personal Identity and Values
Keys’s life and art are defined by her desire to evolve and remain authentic. She describes New York City as both dark and passionate, a city that molded her resilience and determination. Her music reflects her love for people and her focus on honest, vulnerable storytelling. Keys emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and finding strength in real emotions and experiences.
While she has navigated complexities in her personal relationships, including her relationship with her father, Keys highlights love, honesty, and vulnerability as essential to her life. She is a private person who channels her emotions into her music, creating a profound connection with her audience.
Beyond Music
In addition to her music career, Keys has ventured into philanthropy and other creative projects. She co-founded an AIDS charity and has taken on significant roles in music production. Her work extends to theater, with contributions to the musical *Hell’s Kitchen*. Through it all, she remains dedicated to her artistry, determined to continue creating music that resonates deeply with her listeners.
Keys’s journey is marked by discipline, focus, and a constant drive to discover new facets of herself. Her music serves as both a personal diary and a shared experience, capturing her vulnerability, emotions, and view of the world. Alicia Keys continues to inspire and innovate, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond.
Photo Adrian Cabrero