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. 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 paternal 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 African descent. 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 Raymond since she was 14. Measures a 34-inch bust. (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine) Has known R&B superstar Beyoncé Knowles since she was 13. Ranked as #95 in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005" special supplement. (2005) An only child. Named #65 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006" supplement. (2006). Ranked #99 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists. Her father, Craig Cook, left the family when she was two.