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Alicia Keys Profile |
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Birth Date: January 25, 1981
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Birth Place: New York, New York, USA
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Birth Name: Alicia Augello Cook
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Height: 5'5½"
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Biography |
Since the tender age of 5, Alicia Keys has proven herself a
true musical prodigy. Born and raised in Manhattan, New
York, a great deal of her upbringing was devoted to music
and her aspirations to succeed as a performer. Piano lessons
beginning at such an early age allowed Alicia to blossom
into the exceptionally talented pianist she is today.
She credits much of her success to her mother's insistence
on her continuing with the lessons, and ultimately growing
as an artist. Her ultra-supportive mother advised her that
piano-playing was the one thing in life that she would not
allow her daughter to give up on. While many children may
consider this to be a form of punishment, Alicia thought
otherwise. Piano-playing proved to become one of her true
passions in life and she pursued it.
Alicia eventually enrolled in the Professional Performance
Arts School of Manhattan and chose to major in choir. An
all-around outstanding student, her musical talents grew to
an even higher level under the guidance of one of her
instructors. This instructor helped to train her voice,
enabling Alicia to further grow as a multi-talented
musician.
At the age of 16, Alicia's outstanding academic grades
allowed her to finish high school early. Columbia University
accepted her immediately thereafter, but she was intent on
pursuing her love of music instead.
In 1998, major record labels began discovering her, which
resulted in old-fashioned bidding wars in her honor. She
eventually signed with Arista Records. At this point, she
continued the process of writing, producing and recording
the debut that she'd been working on since the age of 14.
In late 1999, Alicia decided to join Clive Davis and his
newfound record label, J Records. Davis has supported and
groomed many high-profile artists in the past, including
Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Santana. Keys saw this
as an opportunity to grow and Davis, being the legendary
record mogul that he is, has been relentlessly hyping the
piano-playing prodigy ever since.
Recently, the 19-year-old musician's debut album, Songs in A
Minor entered the Billboard album charts at #1. The album
includes the hit single "Fallin," along with collaborations
from other high-profile artists, including Jermaine Dupri
and Isaac Hayes.
The near future looks to be very promising for this hot,
young, musical talent. Her next single, "A Woman's Worth" is
scheduled for release very shortly. If it follows in the
footsteps of her debut release, it will most likely prove to
be a chart-topper. Alicia is also scheduled to perform
during the 27th season premiere of Saturday Night Live,
which is to be hosted by Reese Witherspoon. |
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Other
Information |
Accepted by Columbia University at age 16, but dropped out
to pursue her music career.
Named one of People Magazine's "Breakthrough Stars of 2001".
Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People
Magazine in 2002.
Appeared on the covers of Vibe, Vanity Fair, SevenTeen, and
Teen magazines.
Began to play the piano at age 7.
Lives in New York City.
Was the first artist to sign with J Records.
Wrote her first song at the age of 14.
Her maternal grandmother is of Puerto Rican descent.
Graduated a performing arts high school at age 16.
Is a honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
(2004)
Before coming up with the last name Keys, she had at one
point considered calling herself Alicia Wild.
Won the award for Best R'n'B at the 2004 Mtv Europe Music
Awards.
Wrote and produced "Impossible", one of the songs on
Christina Aguilera's album, "Stripped".
Mother is of Irish and Italian descent. Father is of
Jamaican decent.
Says the child she has met that inspired her most is 13 year
old Sydnee Bush, of Savannah, Georgia (as of 2005)
Has been friends with R&B superstar Usher since she was 14.
Measures a 34-inch bust. (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)
Has known Hip Hop/R&B superstar Beyonce since she was 13. |
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