Alicia Keys, a talented musician, was born in the vibrant neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, to a diverse family. Her mother, Terria Joseph, a paralegal with occasional acting pursuits, is of Caucasian descent, with roots in Italy, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Alicia's father, Craig Cook, is African-American. Alicia's musical journey began at the tender age of seven, when she started taking piano lessons at her mother's insistence.
As a prodigy, Alicia's exceptional talent was recognized, and she was subsequently accepted into the prestigious Professional Performance Arts School of Manhattan, where she majored in choir. Her outstanding academic performance and musical abilities earned her a spot as valedictorian, graduating at the remarkable age of 16.
Alicia's remarkable talent did not go unnoticed, and in 1998, she signed with Arista Records. She wrote, produced, and recorded her own albums, showcasing her incredible versatility. However, in 1999, she made a significant career move, joining J Records, led by the legendary music impresario Clive Davis.
Alicia's success has been nothing short of meteoric. Her 2001 debut album, "Songs in A Minor," sold an impressive 6 million copies and garnered a staggering five Grammys. Her subsequent album, "Diary," won her four more Grammys in 2005, solidifying her position as a musical force to be reckoned with.