Alicia Keys (Blue Banner Biographies)

Even as a kid, Alicia knew music was in her heart. Fortunately, she grew up in New York City, a place offering everything from free concerts in Central Park to the background music of street and subway performers. She had the chance to take advantage of the culture the city provided as well as its quality education. At 12 years old, she auditioned and was accepted to the Professional Performing Arts School. For Alicia, the school was an artistic playground. Soon, she was on her way to her first recording contract.

After disagreements with Columbia Records, Alicia was able to record her music, her own way, for Clive Davis and his newly formed J Records. Her debut album, Songs in A Minor, along with her hit single, Fallin’, have put Alicia in the winner’s circle with 5 Grammy Awards. Her second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys, became a triple platinum album.