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As a multi-talented singer, songwriter, pianist and producer, Alicia Keys possesses the innate ability to channel raw emotions into captivating songs that are both universal in sentiment and spirit. Over the last five years, she has churned out impressive hit after hit, with passion and elegance.
ASCAP is proud to honor Alicia Keys with the Rhythm and Soul Songwriter of the Year Award for penning the most winning songs: "Diary," "If I Ain't Got You," "My Boo" and "You Don't Know My Name." Her latest album, The Diary of Alicia Keys, has reached platinum status seven times and earned Keys four Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group and Best R&B song.
The powerful and sultry siren has perfected her mix of soul, hip-hop, jazz and classical music ever since the release of her much-lauded 2001 debut, Songs In A Minor, which reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart in its first week and has sold 10 million units worldwide. Keys also picked up five Grammys for Songs.
In her career thus far, Keys has also won 11 Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, three World Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, two MTV Europe Awards, an NAACP Image Award, two Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards, a BET Award, three Soul Train Music Awards, one Soul Train Lady of Soul Award and one My VH1 Award.
Her array of influences range from legends like Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder to urban contemporaries such as Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and Wu-Tang Clan. Along with the early wisdom and perspective that comes with growing up in New York, Keys' love of music and piano prowess was expanded when she studied classical greats like Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin, as well as jazz idols like Oscar Peterson, Fats Waller and Marian McPartland, at the Professional Performance Arts School in Manhattan.
With an undeniable universal appeal, her songs ache and echo with each note, singing tales of heartbreak, longing, wonder and solace. Her music is a reflection of her life, emotions, innermost thoughts and experiences. "I don't put myself in any kind of box," she said. "I speak freely with my music."
We are delighted to honor Alicia Keys with the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year Award. We look forward to sharing many more years and awards with this exceptional songstress. Congratulations!
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