Top 20 Little Known Facts about Alicia Keys

Top 20 Little Known Facts about Alicia Keys

Originally published by Faith in January 2023 and updated by Faith in January 2024

Alicia Keys is one of the most successful singers in contemporary times. The singer, pianist and songwriter rose to fame in the early 2000s and she has been making waves by releasing great music that is well-received by the audience. Alicia Keys started her music career quite early in that at four years old, she was already performing and at seven years old, she knew how to play the piano.

Over the years she has had many successes that have made her well-known in the music industry. Therefore, this article will explore the twenty little-known facts about Alicia that the reader may not be aware of so that they can get a clear picture of who she is and thus get to know her better.

1 She was born in Harlem

A photo of Alicia Keys performing by Spencer Tirey-Wikimedia

The multi-Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Alicia Keys was born in the thriving and iconic New York City neighbourhood of Harlem. Keys was exposed to a range of musical influences while growing up in a diverse region, which she has now combined into her distinctive sound.

Her ability to meld various genres together and her lyrical, impassioned lyrics have garnered accolades for her music. Keys has established herself as a global icon, and the Harlem community is proud of her achievement.

2 She is a global ambassador for global health and justice

Alicia Keys is vocal about sustainable causes that make a difference in people’s lives. She has been an advocate for health and social justice for quite some time. Furthermore, she has been the ambassador of Keep a Child Alive since 2009. She has worked with the organization to source funds and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. To raise awareness, she partnered with Bono and released a song titled Don’t Give Up during World AIDS Day in 2005. The song raised awareness of the need to fight the disease.

She also supported programs in India and Africa that aimed to provide the locals with knowledge on the disease, how it is transmitted and how to manage it when one is infected. Alicia Keys has also been influential in ensuring that families who are affected by HIV/AIDS have access to antiretroviral treatment.

3 She had a difficult childhood

Alicia’s parents separated when she was still very young and thus experienced a very difficult childhood. She was profoundly impacted by this, and she has been honest about the inner anguish she experienced at the time. That notwithstanding, Alicia Keys has overcome her obstacles to become one of the most popular and well-regarded singers and songwriters of her generation. She has won countless prizes and recognition for her work.

4 She has won many awards

Alicia Keys at the Aria Awwards in 2013 by Eva Rinaldi-Wikimedia

Alicia Keys is one of the most awarded people in the music industry. She is a fifteen-time Grammy Award winner. This is such a great achievement as other popular artists like Rihanna only have eight which makes her exceptional. She is one of the most acclaimed musicians in the music industry, having received nominations for a total of twenty-nine Grammy Awards. She has won awards in many different genres, including R&B, pop, and hip-hop, as well as for her songwriting and production. Fifteen  Grammy awards are evidence of how talented Alicia Keys is, making her a true icon in the music business.

5 She is a multicultural artist

Alicia Keys was raised by her mother in the Hell’s Kitchen area in Manhattan. This means that she was exposed to diverse cultures and people from an early age. This had a lasting impact on her music career as it is often reflected in her music which shows the city’s unique quintessence and energy.

Furthermore, her mother is of Irish Italian ancestry and her father is of Jamaican American ancestry. Her music, which combines jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, has surely been influenced by this unusual fusion of cultures. Her lyrics frequently explore themes of identity, ethnicity, and culture, drawing influence from her parents’ varied backgrounds.

6 Film and television projects

Alicia Keys started featuring in film and television projects quite early in her life. At four years old, she appeared on the Cosby Show as one of Keshia Pulliam’s friends. Years later, she appeared in different shows like American Dreams, Charmed, Aces, The Nanny Diaries and The Secret Life of Bees where she appeared alongside Queen Latifah.

Furthermore, Alicia Keys appeared in the second series of the hit series Empire as Skye Summers. She also went on to become one of the judges of the reality singing show The Voice together with Miley Cyrus.

7 She is married

A photo of Alicia Keys with her husband by Georges Biard-Wikimedia

Alicia Keys is married to a hip-hop producer known as Swizz Beatz. Their marriage ceremony took place in Corsica which is a French island. The couple has two children with the first son Egypt Daoud Dean having been born in October 2010. Their second son, Genesis Ali Dean was born in December 2014.

8 She founded a no-makeup campaign

Alicia Keys founded a Twitter campaign #NoMakeup which she said that she had boycotted makeup. The main aim of the campaign was to address how women’s individuality often gets lost behind foundations and mascaras as they follow popular trends shown in the media. She further went on to describe how she felt the strongest, empowered and beautiful when she did not have makeup on.

9 She recorded a theme song for former president Barrack Obama

When Barrack Obama was campaigning to be president, Alicia Keys recorded a theme song for him to use on his campaign trail. This is such an achievement as it shows that she was recognized for her musical prowess and thus given the opportunity to record the song. This fact further cement how exceptional she has been in her career.

10 Her charitable activities

A picture of Alicia Keys by Mr Dume-Wikimedia

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was felt by the majority of society. To help raise money for those who were affected, Alicia Keys performed in two concerts; ReAct Now: Music and Relief and Shelter from the Storm: A Concert of the Gulf Coast. The funds collected from the concert went into providing for those badly affected by the hurricane.

11 Alicia Keys is a vegetarian

Alicia Keys decided to adopt a vegetarian diet at the age of sixteen, and she has followed this regimen ever since. It has had a significant effect on her personal and professional lives. Vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and other plant-based foods are permitted in a vegetarian diet, but no meat or fish. Keys has talked a lot about the benefits of eating a vegetarian diet for her overall health and well-being. Her decision is in keeping with broader concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and leading a healthy lifestyle. Keys has made use of her notoriety in the entertainment industry to promote the benefits of a plant-based diet and encourage people to eat a greater variety of plant-based foods.

12 She wrote an autobiography

A picture of Alicia Keys. Keith HInkle, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Following her literary endeavours, Alicia Keys wrote her autobiography, “Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics,” which was released in 2004. With a distinctive fusion of poetry and songs that represent Keys’ experiences, feelings, and creative development, this volume offers readers a very intimate and reflective look into her life.

Keys shares intimate details of her challenges, victories, and musical influences through her literary effort. With its symbolic title “Tears for Water,” the author effectively conveys the essence of her creative process, a place where emotions and expressive flexibility connect. In addition to showcasing Keys’ skill as a songwriter, this autobiography highlights the tenderness and genuineness that characterise her work.

13 Alicia Keys has performed in the Super Bowl three times

Alicia Keys demonstrated her extraordinary vocal abilities by singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” during America’s most-watched television event, the Super Bowl. Keys sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, XLVII in 2013, and LVII in 2023 with passion and goosebumps. During the pre-game festivities, her powerful lungs could be heard in addition to Keys’ elegant characteristic piano playing. Keys used her exceptional talent to add soulful virtuosity to the anthem’s well-known melodic lines. During her first two Bowl appearances, Keys looked stunning in skimpy red costumes that matched the celebratory Super Bowl vibe. Later, in 2023, she dressed in a beautiful white gown and little jewellery to deliver what may have been her most profound and moving rendition of the classic patriotic hymn.

14 She has been a host in the Grammys two times

Alicia Keys. Estúdio Alicia Keys., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Alicia Keys hosted the Grammy Awards in 2020 and 2021, bringing her genuine artistic talent and contagious warmth with her. Keys won a lot of accolades for starting a new chapter at the Grammy Awards that celebrated female empowerment, artistic diversity, and the connecting threads of music. Keys created a tone of inspiration that connected with the audience with her mix of profound tributes to sports legends like Kobe Bryant and lively, energetic comedic segments. After declining the two years prior, the Grammy telecast’s ratings increased during both of Keys’ years in charge. Her effortless grace and imaginative nature contributed to reviving interest in music’s biggest night. Keys intends to continue pushing for opportunities for emerging talent from a variety of backgrounds to be recognised on stages such as the Grammy Awards.

15 She is a fashion icon

Alicia Keys is a well-known figure in the fashion industry thanks to her unique sense of style in addition to her musical abilities. Keys is well-known for her daring and unique wardrobe choices. She frequently rocks the red carpet and events with ensembles that effortlessly combine refinement and urban chic. Fans and fashion critics alike are drawn to her distinctive style choices because they combine a touch of elegance with realism. Keys radiates self-assurance and uniqueness whether she’s wearing a gorgeous gown or going casual. Her reputation as a fashion innovator has been cemented over the years by her inclusion on multiple best-dressed lists. Keys’ impact goes beyond her artistic accomplishments into the world of fashion.

16 She has contributed her musical prowess to film soundtracks

A picture of Alicia Keys performing. Daniele Dalledonne, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alicia Keys has made a significant impact on movie soundtracks through her deep and powerful vocals, which have been featured in many films. Her contribution to the soundtrack of the popular movie “Men in Black” (1997) is one notable example; her song “Dah Dee Dah (Sexy Thing)” gave the picture a unique and unforgettable touch.

Her contribution to the 2013 soundtrack of “The Great Gatsby” also demonstrated her flexibility. Along with Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, and Hans Zimmer, Keys produced the film’s hauntingly beautiful song, “It’s On Again”. The song, which came on at a crucial point in the film, was a wonderful fit for the dramatic mood and demonstrated Alicia Keys’ talent for writing music that heightens the emotional effect of cinematic narrative.

17 Alicia Keys has other creative outlets and hobbies

While Alicia Keys is most known for her deep piano ballads, she also pursues a variety of other creative endeavours outside of music. Keys, an enthusiastic reader and poet since infancy, produced an introspective book of prose and poems called “More Myself: A Journey” in 2020, which became a bestseller. She enjoys painting because it provides a calm retreat in which she can freely express her innermost sentiments via colour and form without having to succumb to music industry conventions. In her spare time, Keys uses cooking as a creative outlet, improvising recipes to suit her diverse palate. Trying new flavour combinations with different ethnic cuisines is one of her favourite hobbies. Through these varied artistic avenues, Keys strikes a healthy balance.

18 Her debut album achieved Diamond certification

Alicia Keys’ debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” was released in 2001 and received widespread financial and critical acclaim. The record not only marked the start of her great career, but also cemented her status as a pioneering performer. “Songs in A Minor” expertly combined R&B, soul, and classical influences, highlighting Keys’ excellent singing and keyboard abilities.

The album’s greatest hits, including “Fallin” and “A Woman’s Worth,” became instant classics, garnering Keys five Grammy Awards in 2002, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for “Fallin’.” The album’s success extended to sales, with “Songs in A Minor” eventually receiving Diamond certification in the United States, indicating more than 10 million units sold. This achievement cemented her position as one of the most iconic musicians in the entertainment industry.

19 Alicia Keys released a song with Jay Z that was dedicated to New York City

Alicia Keys and Jay-Z’s duet on “Empire State of Mind” became an iconic song that captured the energy of New York City. The song, which was released in 2009, was a huge success, topping the charts and receiving critical acclaim. Keys’ lyrical vocals and Jay-Z’s rap sections caught the essence of the city that never sleeps, depicting both the trials and joys of New York life. The chorus, which featured Keys wailing about the “concrete jungle where dreams are made of,” struck a chord with fans throughout the world. The music video, which included renowned New York landmarks, emphasised the song’s relationship to the city. “Empire State of Mind” won numerous honours, including Grammy honours for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song.

20 She collaborated with Yamaha to produce pianos known as Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys playing the piano. Walmart, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alicia Keys collaborated with Yamaha to create a range of digital pianos called “Alicia’s Keys.” These digital pianos were created to recreate the essence of Alicia’s favourite concert grand piano, offering pianists a high-quality and genuine playing experience. The cooperation aims to introduce Alicia’s expressive and dynamic piano sound to a larger audience. The “Alicia’s Keys” digital pianos used advanced sampling technology to accurately capture the intricacies of Alicia’s piano performance style. This particular sound could be used by musicians and enthusiasts in their own creative endeavours, making it a standout addition to Yamaha’s digital musical instrument lineup.