When Alicia Keys makes new music, people listen and, perhaps more importantly, they buy. Such an event is also special for radio programmers who are appreciative of having something “hot” to add to their playlists which is sure to generate major response from listeners.
It has been that way since 2001, the year Keys’ debut album, “Songs in A Minor” was released. It comes as no surprise that she was signed to Arista Records by none other than the legendary Clive Davis who knew right away that Keys (whose real name is Alicia Cook) was “special” and “unique.”
How special? Consider this: Since that year the singer, songwriter, pianist, producer and actress has won 14 Grammy Awards, 10 Billboard Music Awards, 16 NAACP Image Awards, five American Music Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, and that is just part of the story.
Keys’ latest album is “Girl on Fire” which could possibly outsell the others, based on its consistent performance thus far. The title track, with its catchy and relentless beat, was a huge hit. The newest single is “Tears Always Win.”
“Girl on Fire” was preceded by “The Element of Freedom” (2009), “As I Am” (2007), “The Diary of Alicia Keys” (2003) and “Songs in A Minor” (2001).
Keys was recently named the Michael Jackson Entertainer of the Decade by Black Radio Exclusive magazine.
Alicia Keys is also a believer in giving back. She is the co-founder and global ambassador for Keep A Child Alive, a non-profit organization committed to providing medication for families in Africa with HIV and AIDS.