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, born Alicia Augello Cook, is a celebrated American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist. She began writing songs at a young age and debuted with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful album, Songs in A Minor (2001), featuring the hit single "Fallin'". The album garnered her five Grammy Awards. Her success continued with her second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), which sold eight million copies and produced popular singles like "You Don't Know My Name" and "If I Ain't Got You", earning her four more Grammy Awards.

Sections (5)

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

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.

1994: Meeting with Jeff Robinson

In 1994, manager Jeff Robinson met 13-year-old Alicia Keys through his brother's youth organization, Teens in Motion, and was impressed by her talent and charisma.

1995: Introduction to Peter Edge

In 1995, Alicia Keys was introduced to A&R executive Peter Edge by Jeff Robinson, after Robinson urged her 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, to further her career after issues with Columbia Records.

2001: Discussing Relationship with Father

In 2001, Alicia Keys spoke about her relationship with her father, noting that she was not in contact with him and that it had made her appreciate her mother's strength.

June 2002: Protest Against Budget Cuts

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, serving as its Global Ambassador.

2005: Release of "Don't Give Up" Cover with Bono

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.

2005: Live 8 and Hurricane Katrina Benefit Performances

In 2005, Alicia Keys performed at Live 8 in Philadelphia to raise awareness about poverty in Africa. In the same year, she performed at ReAct Now: Music & Relief and Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast, benefit programs for Hurricane Katrina victims.

July 2007: Live Earth Concert Performance with Keith Urban

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

December 11, 2007: Nobel Peace Prize Concert Performance

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

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

In April 2008, Alicia Keys' work in Africa, specifically her efforts with Keep a Child Alive, was recorded and released in the documentary "Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland".

2009: BET Humanitarian Award

In 2009, Alicia Keys was honored with the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards.

May 2010: Engagement Announcement

In May 2010, a representative for Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz confirmed that they were engaged and expecting a child together.

July 31, 2010: Wedding Celebration

On July 31, 2010, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz had a wedding celebration near the Mediterranean Sea.

October 14, 2010: Birth of First Son

On October 14, 2010, Alicia Keys gave birth to her first son in New York City.

2010: Hope for Haiti Now Telethon Performance

In 2010, Alicia Keys performed "Send Me an Angel" (retitled from "Prelude to a Kiss") for the Hope for Haiti Now telethon to support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

June 2011: United Nations AIDS Conference Speech

In June 2011, Alicia Keys spoke at the United Nations AIDS conference in New York alongside Annie Lennox, participating in a panel about HIV priorities and advocating for organizations supporting families affected by AIDS.

October 7, 2011: RCA Music Group Absorbs J Records

On October 7, 2011, Sony Music's RCA Music Group announced the absorption of J Records, Alicia Keys' longtime label, along with Arista and Jive Records. As a result, Keys would release her future music under RCA Records.

September 2012: "30 Songs / 30 Days" Campaign

In September 2012, Alicia Keys was featured in the "30 Songs / 30 Days" campaign to support Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.

December 2012: 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief Performance

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

March 2013: EMPOWERED HIV/AIDS Campaign Launch

In March 2013, Alicia Keys teamed up with Greater Than AIDS to launch EMPOWERED, a public information campaign focused on reaching women in the United States about HIV/AIDS. She also appeared in a public service announcement for EMPOWERED, speaking with women whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS.

December 27, 2014: Birth of Son Genesis Ali Dean

On December 27, 2014, Alicia Keys gave birth to her second child, a son named Genesis Ali Dean.

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

In July 2016, Alicia Keys participated in a video titled "23 Ways You Could Be Killed if You are Black in America", which aimed to raise awareness and encourage action against systemic racism in the United States.

2017: Women's March on Washington Protest and Amnesty International Award

In 2017, Alicia Keys protested at the Women's March on Washington after Donald Trump's inauguration and was a key speaker. She also received and shared the Ambassador of Conscience award from Amnesty International alongside Canadian Indigenous rights activists.

2018: Variety's Power of Women Luncheon Honor

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 discussed Gordon Parks's works and The Dean Collection.

July 26, 2019: Art Collection Reported by Bloomberg News

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