Began playing the piano at the age of seven

Wrote first original song, “Butterflyz,” at the age of 14

Played piano showcases around New York, while still in high school

Signed a demo recording deal with Jermaine Dupri on his So So Def label

Recorded first song, “Dah Dee Dah (Sexy Thing),” which appeared on the “Men in Black” soundtrack

Signed by Clive Davis’ Arista Records

Left Arista to sign with Davis’ new label J Records

Recorded “Rock Wit U” for the “Shaft” (2000) soundtrack and “Rear View Mirror” for the “Dr. Dolittle 2” (2001) soundtrack

Released debut album, Songs in A Minor, which earned Keys five Grammy Awards, including ‘Song of the Year’ for “Fallin”

Wrote (also produced) and sang background for Christina Aguilera's song "Impossible," from the album Stripped

Released sophomore album, The Diary of Alicia Keys

Performed an installment of the “MTV Unplugged” series at the Brooklyn Academy of Music; album released as Unplugged

Released third studio album, As I Am

Made feature film debut alongside Jeremy Piven and Ryan Reynolds in “Smokin' Aces”

Co-starred with Scarlett Johansson as Lynette, Johansson's character Annie's best friend in “The Nanny Diaries”

Played one of the Boatwright sisters, opposite Queen Latifah and Sophie Okonedo in the film adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees”

Earned three Grammy nominations, two for her album As I Am and one for her collaboration with Jack White