Alicia Keys by: Ailea Daddairo Title

Alicia Keys is her stage name, her Birth name is Alicia Augello Cook Biography: An American R&B Singer-Song Writer, pianist extraordinaire, producer, author, award winner and actress Alicia Keys is her stage name, her Birth name is Alicia Augello Cook Born January 25, 1981 Musical Influences: Many Genres Frederic Chopin Leontyne Price Stevie Wonder Marvin Gaye Tupac Shakur The musician I was most interested to write about for my semester paper is Alicia keys. She is an American R&B Singer-Songwriter, pianist extraordinaire, producer, author, award winner and actress. Alicia Keys is her stage name, her real name is Alicia Augello Cook and she was born January 25, 1981. . Alicia Keys was strongly influenced by music from different generations including the essential music of Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway, Marvine Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Classical Compositions of Frederic Chopin, Erik Satie, and Leontyne Price; and urban lyricists such as Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and the Wu-Tang Clan.

Early Life: Alicia was raised by a single mother in Manhattan, New York She began playing the piano at age seven and learned classical music by composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin Keys was enrolled in a Professional Performing Arts school at the age of 12 years old She majored in Choir and began writing songs at the age 14 Graduated at age 16 as the valedictorian Alicia was raised by a single mother in Manhattan, New York. She began playing the piano at age seven and learned classical music by composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. Keys was enrolled in a Professional Performing Arts school at the age of 12 years old where she majored in Choir and began writing songs at the age 14. She graduated at age 16 as the valedictorian.

Beginning of Career: Alicia Keys was founded by her long time manager Jeff Robinson in 1994 and was eventually signed to Columbia Records Alicia Keys released her first studio album, “Songs in A minor” in June 2001 The album sold over 10 million copies worldwide and led Key’s to win five awards at the 2001 Grammys Alicia Keys was founded in 1994 by her long time manager Jeff Robinson and a year later was introduced her future Arista Records. Unable to sign a recording contract due to Robinson currently trying to leave his record company he was motivated to have Alicia Keys signed and eventually was signed to Columbia records. At the same time as signing a recording contract with Columbia records, Keys was accepted into Columbia University. Keys decided to try and juggle both but only after 4 weeks she dropped out of college to pursue her musical career full time. Alicia Keys released her first studio album, “Songs in A minor” in June 2001. I remember getting this album for Christmas when I was in 7th grade I would listen to it over and over again memorizing all the lyrics to her songs by heart. This album debuted at number one on the billboard and sold 235,000 in the first week. The album was certified six times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, It ended up selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Songs in A minor led to win Alicia keys five awards at the 2001 Grammys.

The diary of Alicia Keys Albums The Element of Freedom Songs in A minor The diary of Alicia Keys As I Am The second album Keys debuted was “The Diary of Alicia Keys” which was released in December 2003. Other two albums she released that were big successes were “As I am” and “Element of Freedom”. June 2001 November 2007 December 2009 December 2003

Accomplishments and Successes Alicia Keys Accomplishments and Successes Eleven Billboard Awards Three MTV Video Music Awards Twelve Grammy Awards Three BET Awards Throughout her career, Keys has earned numerous awards. In addition to twelve Grammy Awards, she's earned eleven Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, three World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MTV Europe Awards, two Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards, three BET Awards, fourteen NAACP Image Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, two People's Choice Award, one My VH1 Award and more. Along with the rest of the world I feel Alicia Keys is one of the Best R&B artists to come out in this generation. I feel the main reason I picked her as an artist is because I feel she is a real musician at heart and always will be in this life time. Her Vocals and pianist skills are definitely a gift from god.  

Composition History “Teenage love Affair” & “Superwoman” These songs came from the Album “As I Am” released in 2007 People involved: Alicia Keys Jack Splash John Mayer Manny Marroquin Recorded at Glenwood Studios in L.A. and Oven Studios in New York Alicia Keys: Vocals, Background vocals, Piano, Fender Rhodes Piano, Harpsichord, Wurlitzer organ, Bass Synthesizer, Moog Synthesizer. Jack Splash: was various instruments and programming Manny Marroquin: Audio Mixer   “Teenage Love Affair”: (3:10) Came from the Album “As I am” released in 2007. Some of the people involved with making this song and all the rest of the songs off this album were Alicia Keys, Jack Splash, and John Mayer. Alicia Keys was the vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, harpsichord, Wurlitzer organ, bass synthesizer, Moog synthesizer, background vocals. Jack Splash was various instruments and programming. The audio mixer Manny Marroquin and the recording information is Glenwood Studios, LA; Oven Studios, NY. This song was influence by a sample from “(Girl) I love you” which is a 1972 track by the Soul trio The Temprees. “Superwoman”: (4:34) This song to me is very inspiring and motivational to all women around the world. Alicia Keys says that this song is a reminder to herself, that “even when I'm out, and I'm just a mess, and I'm not perfect, and everything's not great, and I'm struggling to figure out what is what, I'm still a superwoman." This song is has all the same information as of recording details and released dates due to it is from the same album called “As I am”. Some producers and engineers involvled with making this album and songs that I have chosen were John Mayer; Dirty Harry; Alicia Keys; Jack Splash; Linda Perry; Kerry Brothers; Mark Batson; Jack Splash; Kerry Brothers; Dirty Harry; Alicia Keys; Mark Batson.

Composition History “Teenage love Affair” This song was influence by a sample from “(Girl) I love you” which is a 1972 track by the Soul trio The Temprees. “Superwoman” This song to me is very inspiring and motivational to all women around the world. Alicia Keys says that this song is a reminder to herself, that “even when I'm out, and I'm just a mess, and I'm not perfect, and everything's not great, and I'm struggling to figure out what is what, I'm still a superwoman." “Teenage Love Affair”: (3:10) Came from the Album “As I am” released in 2007. Some of the people involved with making this song and all the rest of the songs off this album were Alicia Keys, Jack Splash, and John Mayer. Alicia Keys was the vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, harpsichord, Wurlitzer organ, bass synthesizer, Moog synthesizer, background vocals. Jack Splash was various instruments and programming. The audio mixer Manny Marroquin and the recording information is Glenwood Studios, LA; Oven Studios, NY. This song was influence by a sample from “(Girl) I love you” which is a 1972 track by the Soul trio The Temprees. “Superwoman”: (4:34) This song to me is very inspiring and motivational to all women around the world. Alicia Keys says that this song is a reminder to herself, that “even when I'm out, and I'm just a mess, and I'm not perfect, and everything's not great, and I'm struggling to figure out what is what, I'm still a superwoman." This song is has all the same information as of recording details and released dates due to it is from the same album called “As I am”. Some producers and engineers involvled with making this album and songs that I have chosen were John Mayer; Dirty Harry; Alicia Keys; Jack Splash; Linda Perry; Kerry Brothers; Mark Batson; Jack Splash; Kerry Brothers; Dirty Harry; Alicia Keys; Mark Batson.  

“Empire State of Mind”(Part II) Broke Down” Composition History “Empire State of Mind”(Part II) Broke Down” & “Distance and time” These songs were released in 2009 in the her latest album “Element of Freedom” Recording information: Conway Studios, LA; Oven Studios, New York; Strawberrybee Studios, New York People Involved: Alicia Keys, Jay Z and Beyonce “Empire State of Mind”(Part II) Broke Down”: (3:36) This last song I have chosen came from her latest album “Element of Freedom”. This song was influenced by Alicia Keys hometown anthem. Alicia says, "It's just exciting to be able to put together a song about the city I was born and raised in and then to be able to make it an anthem the world can feel. I just love the energy that's behind it." The reason I love this song so much is because its always been my dream to visit New York someday and when I listen to this song I feel like I’m there experiencing all the greatest that it holds. This song and album was released in 2009 and the Recording information: Conway Studios, LA; Oven Studios, NY; Strawberrybee Studios, NY. Jay Z, Beyonce and Alicia Keys were all involved with producing and recording this album.   “Distance and time”: (4:27) I feel like this is a great song about lovers separated by distance and time. This song and album was released in 2009 and the Recording information: Conway Studios, LA; Oven Studios, NY; Strawberrybee Studios, NY. Jay Z, Beyonce and Alicia Keys were all involved with producing and recording this album.

“Empire State of Mind”(Part II) Broke Down” Composition History “Empire State of Mind”(Part II) Broke Down” This song was influenced by Alicia Keys hometown anthem Alicia says, "It's just exciting to be able to put together a song about the city I was born and raised in and then to be able to make it an anthem the world can feel. “Distance and time” This song is simple love song influenced by two lovers seperated by Distance and Time “Empire State of Mind”(Part II) Broke Down”: (3:36) This last song I have chosen came from her latest album “Element of Freedom”. This song was influenced by Alicia Keys hometown anthem. Alicia says, "It's just exciting to be able to put together a song about the city I was born and raised in and then to be able to make it an anthem the world can feel. I just love the energy that's behind it." The reason I love this song so much is because its always been my dream to visit New York someday and when I listen to this song I feel like I’m there experiencing all the greatest that it holds. This song and album was released in 2009 and the Recording information: Conway Studios, LA; Oven Studios, NY; Strawberrybee Studios, NY. Jay Z, Beyonce and Alicia Keys were all involved with producing and recording this album.   “Distance and time”: (4:27) I feel like this is a great song about lovers separated by distance and time. This song and album was released in 2009 and the Recording information: Conway Studios, LA; Oven Studios, NY; Strawberrybee Studios, NY. Jay Z, Beyonce and Alicia Keys were all involved with producing and recording this album.

Listening Guide: “Superwoman” (4:34 0:00- Introduction 0:25-Verse I 1:11 – Chorus 1:36 – Verse II 2:10 – Chorus 2:34 – Bridge 3:04 – Chorus 3:58 – Coda 4:34 – End “Superwoman”: (4:34) 0:00 – Introduction – The intro of the song begins with a higher pitch piano rhythm and a soft dynamic with the same beat of counts playing three times of repetition then changing the beat to begin the first verse 0:25 – Verse I – The verse has the same beat and rhythm proceeding from the intro but instead is at a lower pitch sound on the piano adding in other instruments along with the piano. The closer the music plays towards the chorus the dynamics of the volume increase to build up the lead to the chorus 1:11 – Chorus – Bringing in the chorus with some percussion beats to speed the song which is called and upbeat or pick up. Along comes in the background singers and the vocal dynamics raise as well. The chorus has three measures of a four count beat for the melody. 1:36 – Verse II – The second verse continues with the same beat and rhythm but the difference is the percussion has continued with the song. The second verse has stronger vocals when bringing in the second chorus when singing the inspirational words about being a Superwoman. 2:10 – Chorus – The chorus is the same repetitive rhythm, dynamics, melody and harmony as the first one. 2:34 – Bridge- The rhythm and beat slow down a bit for some of the lyrics to be dragged out. Then the closer it gets to the last chorus the beat returns to the familiar repetitive rhythm and melody as played previously. 3:04 – Chorus add on – Chorus repeats itself twice for the last time in the song leading up to the coda at the end. 3:58 – Coda – The beat speeds up adding in some brass instruments and louder dynamics of both instruments and vocals. The song eventually slows down all together to end the song in silence. 4:34 – End

Listening Guide: “Empire State of Mind” (Part II) Broke Down: (3:36 0:00- Introduction 0:22-Verse I 1:08 – Chorus 1:35 – Verse II 2:20 – Chorus 2:46 – Bridge 3:01 – Chorus 3:36 – End “Empire State of Mind”(Part II) Broke Down”: (3:36) 0:00 – Introduction – The song begins with piano playing and vocals softly and slowly repeating some of the words from the chorus “New York” in the same melody and harmony as the chorus as well. The song starts with a four beat count and three measures playing the same notes repetitively. The timbre plays smoothly making it easy to recognize that is just piano starting out the song. 0:22 – Verse I – The verse has the same rhythm but you can hear the piano do a new sound after so many counts then returns to the same beat and notes. When it comes time to lead into the chorus the piano does the same new sound but twice this time. 1:08 – Chorus – When the chorus begins the dynamics of the piano and vocals get louder adding in some back ground singers. The rhythm and melody continue with new set of notes and beats. I hear some percussion in the chorus but not a lot. The timbre is solid enough to mostly hear the vocals and piano. 1:35 – Verse II – Verse two is the same melody and the rhythm stays constant and the beat stays the same as well. I feel the lyrics have a lot of meaning in related to New York almost making you picture if you were there. The form stays repetitive with the harmony and melody as well. 2:20 – Chorus – Chorus is the same. 2:46 – Bridge – The melody and harmony are now at a different pace starting to speed up leading up once again to the chorus. Before leading up to the chorus the dynamics of the vocals increase in volume. 3:01 – Chorus – The last chorus has the rhythm, melody and harmony. This time giving it more of an upbeat and pick up when adding in more percussions leading to end the song. 3:36 – End

Listening Guide: “Distance and Time”: (4:27) 0:00- Introduction 0:29-Verse I 1:17 – Chorus 1:58 – Verse II 2:48 – Chorus 3:41 – Chorus add on 4:10 – Coda 4:27 – End “Distance and Time”: (4:27) 0:00 – Introduction – Starts with a slow and soft beat of percussion and piano with a soft vocals talking about lovers separated through distance and time. 0:29 – Verse I – this is a slow love song with the beat and rhythm repeating over and over 1:17 – Chorus – The dynamics in the vocals rise during the chorus the melody and harmony and repetitive 1:58 – Verse II – The song continues to play with the band making it easy to hear the piano, vocals and percussion 2:48 – Chorus – Chorus is the same rhythm, harmony, and melody. 3:41 – Chorus add on – The background singers begin to sing in a melody sort of matched with the chorus with some OOOs and Ahhhs 4:10 – Coda – Singing the last words of the song slowing down the rhythm to end the song 4:27 - End

Listening Guide: “Teenage Love Affair”: (3:10) 0:00- Introduction 0:02-Verse I 0:33 – Chorus 0:56 – Verse II 1:27 – Chorus 1:51 – Bridge 2:21 – Chorus 2:45 – Chorus add on 3:10- End “Teenage Love Affair”: (3:10) 0:00 – Introduction – The song starts out strong with percussions, piano, vocals and the whole band 0:02 – Verse I – The rhythm and beat does not start out slow it is an upbeat song. The melody and rhythm slow down only right before to lead up to the chorus 0:33 – Chorus- The rhythm is repetitive and is also upbeat. Melody is catchy and easy to follow along with. 0:56 – Verse II – The beat rhythm only change when interchanging from chorus to verse. The rhythm and beat either slow down or speed up and then continue to play on the repetitive rhythm and beat as played previously throughout the song. 1:27 – Chorus – Chorus is the same rhythm, harmony and melody. 1:51 – Bridge – The vocals are mostly a soft talking while the music slows down to then lead up to the dynamics of the vocals to increase in volume and then finally lead up to the last chorus. 2:21 – Chorus- Same Chorus playing twice with louder percussions 2:45 – Chorus add on- Finishing the song with louder percusions 3:10 – End

Bibliography: Alicia Keys Official Site: http://www.aliciakeys.com/us/alicia-keys-biography http://www.songfacts.com http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7532702 http://www.rhapsody.com Alicia Keys Official Site: http://www.aliciakeys.com/us/alicia-keys-biography http://www.songfacts.com http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7532702 http://www.rhapsody.com