Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), to an Italian-American mother and an African-American father, better known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is an American recording artist, musician and actress. She was raised by a single mother in the Hell’s Kitchen area of Manhattan in New York City. At age seven, Keys began to play classical music on the piano. She attended Professional Performing Arts School and graduated at 16 as valedictorian. She later attended Columbia University before dropping out to pursue her music career. Keys is the co-founder and Global Ambassador of Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organization that provides medicine to families with HIV and AIDS in Africa. Keys and U2 lead singer Bono recorded a cover version of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush’s “Don’t Give Up”, in recognition of World AIDS Day 2005. She visited African countries such as Uganda, Kenya and South Africa to promote care for children affected by AIDS. Keys has also donated to “Frum tha Ground Up”, a non-profit organization that aids children and teenagers with scholarships. She performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as part of the worldwide Live 8 concerts to raise awareness of the poverty in Africa and to pressure the G8 leaders to take action. Alicia is married to hip hop producer Swizz Beatz and they are blessed with a son, Egypt Daoud Dean. Ends
