New York-born Alicia Keys began taking piano lessons at age seven at her mother's insistence. She proved to be such a prodigy that she was later accepted into he prestigious Professional Performance Arts School of Manhattan, where she majored in choir. Not only her musical talent but also her grades proved to be so exceptional that she was allowed to graduate, as valedictorian, at age 16. In 1998, she signed with Arista Records, and wrote, produced and recorded her own albums. In 1999, she left Arista to join J Records, headed by legendary music impresario Clive Davis, and her success has been meteoric. Her 2001 debut album, "Songs in A Minor," sold six million copies and garnered five Grammys. Her album "Diary" won her four more Grammys in 2005.


Accepted by Columbia University at age 16, but dropped out to pursue her music career. Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002. Began to play the piano at age 7. Was the first artist to sign with J Records. Her paternal grandmother is of Puerto Rican descent. Is a honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (2004) Won the award for Best R'n'B at the 2004 Mtv Europe Music Awards. Mother is of Irish and Italian descent. Father is of African descent. Has been friends with R&B superstar Usher Raymond since she was 14. Has known R&B superstar Beyoncé Knowles since she was 13. An only child. Ranked #99 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists. Ranked #77 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2008 list. Good friends with singer John Mayer.