Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, is an American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist who started composing at age 12. Signed to J Records after label drama, her 2001 debut Songs in A Minor sold over 12 million copies, topped charts with “Fallin’,” and made her the first artist to win five Grammys in one night. Follow-ups like The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003) added four more Grammys, while Girl on Fire (2014) secured her 15th for Best R&B Album.
Before fame
She popped up on an episode of The Cosby Show, dove deep into studying Mozart and Chopin, and even graduated as valedictorian from the Professional Performing Arts School.
Trivia
Her breakout album Songs in A Minor went on to sell more than 12 million copies worldwide. She’s also lent her expertise as a judge on the singing competition The Voice.
Family life
Alicia was born to parents Terria Joseph and Craig Cook. She tied the knot with rapper Swizz Beatz on July 31, 2010, and they welcomed their first son, Egypt, that October, followed by their second son, Genesis, in December 2014.