Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys (born Alicia Augello-Cook; January 25, 1981) is an American R&B/soul singer-songwriter, composer, record producer, pianist, and actress. Keys is a renowned artist who has sold over 25 million albums and singles worldwide and won numerous awards, including eleven Grammys, ten Billboard Music Awards, and three American Music Awards. The road to success wasn’t an easy one. Of mixed parentage (Terri Augello and Craig Cook), she grew up in Harlem, New York City, New York. To cope with the street life, Keys turned to piano-playing at the age of seven. She attended the Professional Performing Arts High School and rehearsed with vocal coach Conrad Robinson at the Harlem Police Athletic League Community center until age 16. During this time, she graduated as her high school valedictorian and was accepted to attend Columbia University. Robinson introduced Keys to his brother Jeff, Alicia’s 'batman', who began searching for the right label.

Just before starting college, Keys...