Childhood and Education Journey of Alicia Keys in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Alicia Keys, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Alicia Keys is an American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist who began composing at a young age. She achieved mainstream success with her debut album, Songs in A Minor (2001), featuring the hit single "Fallin'" and winning five Grammy Awards. Her second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), continued her success, selling millions of copies and producing popular singles like "You Don't Know My Name" and earning her four more Grammy Awards. Keys is known for her soulful voice, piano skills, and contributions to the music industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1973: Performed "Someday We'll All Be Free"

Alicia Keys performed Donny Hathaway's 1973 song "Someday We'll All Be Free" at the America: A Tribute to Heroes televised benefit concert following the September 11 attacks.

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January 25, 1981: Alicia Keys Born

On January 25, 1981, Alicia Augello Cook, known professionally as Alicia Keys, was born. She is an American singer and songwriter.

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1994: Met Jeff Robinson

In 1994, manager Jeff Robinson met 13-year-old Alicia Keys, who was participating in his brother's youth organization and performing in Harlem. Robinson was impressed by her talent and took her under his wing.

1995: Introduction to Peter Edge

In 1995, after her group disbanded, Alicia Keys contacted Jeff Robinson, who introduced her to A&R executive Peter Edge to pursue a solo career.

1998: Introduction to Clive Davis

In 1998, Peter Edge introduced Alicia Keys to Clive Davis, then-president of Arista Records, after she requested to be released from her contract with Columbia Records.

2001: Remarks on Father's Absence

In 2001, Alicia Keys remarked about her father's absence in her life, stating that she was not in contact with him and that it helped her see the strength of her mother.

June 2002: Protest Against Budget Cuts for Students' Education

In June 2002, Alicia Keys protested at the New York City Hall against proposed budget cuts for students' education.

2003: Co-founded Keep a Child Alive

In 2003, Alicia Keys co-founded the nonprofit HIV/AIDS-fighting organization Keep a Child Alive, where she serves as Global Ambassador.

2005: Released cover version of "Don't Give Up"

In 2005, Alicia Keys and Bono released a cover version of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush's "Don't Give Up" to raise funds for Keep a Child Alive.

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2005: Performed at Live 8, ReAct Now, and Shelter from the Storm

In 2005, Alicia Keys performed in Philadelphia as part of the worldwide Live 8 concerts. In the same year, Alicia Keys also performed on ReAct Now: Music & Relief and Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast, two benefit programs that raised money for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

October 2006: Voice Acting Debut and Personal Struggles

In October 2006, Alicia Keys voiced Mommy Martian in 'Mission to Mars,' an episode of 'The Backyardigans,' singing 'Almost Everything Is Boinga Here.' That year, facing her grandmother's death and family dependency, she nearly had a mental breakdown, leading her to a crucial three-week escape to Egypt.

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July 2007: Performed "Gimme Shelter" at Live Earth

In July 2007, Alicia Keys and Keith Urban performed The Rolling Stones' 1969 song "Gimme Shelter" at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at the American leg of the Live Earth concerts.

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December 11, 2007: Nobel Peace Prize Concert Performance

On December 11, 2007, Alicia Keys participated in the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, along with other artists.

April 2008: Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland Documentary

In April 2008, the documentary Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland, which recorded Alicia Keys's work in Africa, was released.

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2008: End of Relationship with Kerry Brothers Jr.

Until 2008, Alicia Keys was in a low-profile romantic relationship with her long-time good friend and collaborator Kerry Brothers Jr..

2009: BET Humanitarian Award

In 2009, Alicia Keys received the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards.

2010: Hope for Haiti Now Performance

In 2010, Alicia Keys performed the song "Prelude to a Kiss", retitled "Send Me an Angel", from her 2007 album As I Am for the Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief telethon in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

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June 2011: Spoke at United Nations AIDS Conference

In June 2011, Alicia Keys spoke alongside Annie Lennox at the United Nations AIDS conference in New York, participating in a panel titled "HIV Priorities for Positive Change: In Women's Words", calling for support for organizations providing treatment and care for families affected by AIDS.

September 2012: Featured in "30 Songs / 30 Days" Campaign

In September 2012, Alicia Keys was featured in a campaign called "30 Songs / 30 Days" to support Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, a multi-platform media project inspired by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book.

December 2012: Performed at 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief

In December 2012, Alicia Keys performed alongside many other artists in 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy.

March 2013: Launched EMPOWERED Campaign with Greater Than AIDS

In March 2013, Alicia Keys teamed up with Greater Than AIDS to launch EMPOWERED, a public information campaign to reach women in the United States about HIV/AIDS.

July 2016: Participated in "23 Ways You Could Be Killed if You are Black in America" Video

In July 2016, Alicia Keys participated in a video on taking action against systemic racism in the United States titled, "23 Ways You Could Be Killed if You are Black in America".

2017: Women's March on Washington and Ambassador of Conscience Award

In 2017, After the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, Alicia Keys protested during the Women's March on Washington and was one of the key speakers. In 2017, Alicia Keys also received and shared the award for the Ambassador of Conscience from Amnesty International alongside Canadian Indigenous rights activists.

2018: Honored at Variety's Power of Women Luncheon

In 2018, Alicia Keys was honored at Variety's Power of Women luncheon for her work with Keep a Child Alive.

2018: Featured on Cultured Magazine Cover

In the summer of 2018, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were featured on the cover of Cultured magazine where they delved into Gordon Parks's works and The Dean Collection.

July 26, 2019: Reported Avidly Purchasing Art

On July 26, 2019, Bloomberg News reported that Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were avidly purchasing works by artist Tschabalala Self and decided to keep two pieces and donate one to the Brooklyn Museum.