Alicia Keys

	On January 25,1981 Alicia Augello Cook was born in New York City, New York. When Alicia was young she moved to Manhattan, New York where she was raised. Alicia has three brothers Michael, Brian, and David. Alicia also had a sister, Eileen. When Alicia was five years old her parents Maureen and Mike noticed something special about Alicia. Alicia loved music. She enrolled at the Professional Performance Arts School. At the age of seven she began to play the piano. Her mother told her if you ever give up music, never give up on the piano. She also starred in the "Wizard of Oz" at the age of 11. At the age of 16 Alicia graduated high school with outstanding grades.
At the young age of 16 Alicia got accepted to Columbia University. Alicia didn't stay at Columbia University for long. She dropped out to peruse her dream of music. In 1999, Alicia went to work with Cleve Davis at J Records and wrote the song "Songs in a Mirror". This release sent Alicia tot he top of the charts and her star status was confirmed. Alicia is a skilled song writer, pianist, and a powerful singer. Some of Alicia's other hit songs were Fallin, A Women's Worth, If I Ain't Got You, and My Boo, with Usher. Alicia's hit albums are Song in a Mirror and Diary of Alicia Keys.
	Alicia has an enormous amount of achievements. Alicia has won Favorite pop/rock New Artist and Favorite Soul/Rhythm&Blues New Artist. She has also had a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 000 chart. Alicia is a nine time Grammy winner.She has won for Best R&B Performance by a DVD or group with vocals, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B song and best R&B alblum.
Alicia was named one of Peoples Magazines "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2002. In 2001 she was named Peoples Magazine "Breakout Star". Her song "Ain't No Reason was in the 2005 movie "Be Cool". She performed at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards. Alicia also peformed at the MTV Asia Aid in 2005.
	Alicia's nickname is Lellow. She got her last name "Keys" from her love of the piano. Some of her hobbies are singing, dancing, basketball, swimming, reading and of course playing the piano. Her idols are Stevie Wonder and Maya Angelou. She wrote her first song at the age of 14. Alicia still lives in New York. She has appeared on the covers of Vibe, Vanity Fair, Seventeen, and Teen Magazine. Her favorite color is baby blue and her favorite movie is "My Best Friend's Wedding."
Alicia's grandmother is from a Puerto Rican descent. Family means a lot to Alicia especially because she has a big one. Her mother has 5 brothers and her father has 2 brothers and 1 sister. Alicia has a beautiful voice and she is an amazing woman.