Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys married hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz in July 2010. The couple has two children.

She was born as Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in New York City as the only child of Teresa and Craig Cook. Her mother was a part-time actress while her father was a flight attendant. She is of biracial heritage. Her parents separated when she was quite young and she was primarily raised by her mother.

Her mother ensured that young Alicia received dance and music lessons. She started learning classical piano when she was seven and enrolled in the Professional Performing Arts School at the age of 12.

She graduated as valedictorian at the age of 16. Following her graduation she became serious about her musical career and signed a recording contract with Columbia records. At around the same time she was accepted into Columbia University. However, she dropped out of college after a month to pursue her music career.

In 2001, she released her first studio album, ‘Songs in A Minor’. The album created a sensation immediately upon its release, and went on to sell over 6.2 million copies in the United States and 12 million copies worldwide, making her an internationally popular singing star.

Her much anticipated second album, ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys’ was out in 2003. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 618,000 copies in its first week of release.

Her next album ‘As I Am’ came out in 2007 and once again proved to be a phenomenal success. The album debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and became an international commercial success. It spawned the super hit singles, ‘No One’ and ‘Another Way to Die’.

She also ventured into films and had a starring role in the 2006 movie, ‘Smokin’ Aces’ which also starred Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Andy García, and Ray Liotta. She played the role of Georgia Sykes, a female contract killer.

Alicia Keys played the role of June Boatwright in the 2008 drama film, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ which is based on the story of a 14-year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother.

Her debut album, ‘Songs in A Minor’ catapulted her to overnight stardom and established her as a rising superstar in the musical industry. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, sold over 236,000 copies in its first week, and won her several awards and accolades.