Alicia Keys, photographed in New York City by British photographer Platon in July 2001.

Platon was commissioned to shoot several artists from new label J Records including Angie Stone, Luther Vandross, and Alicia Keys.

He expressed in a magazine in 2001 that he was “expecting a nightmare.” “Normally, artists are very suspicious of each other. There’s a lot of competition and egos. I was expecting big entourages of people, a lot of attitude.”

But by the time Alicia arrived, all his fears had faded away: “She was as charming as she is beautiful,” he says of the young star. “She came in, drank a glass of water, and sat down. It was wonderful.” Further commenting that Alicia arrived to the shoot without stylists, makeup artists or wardrobe people, which surprised the photographer. 

Born in London and raised in the Greek Isles, Platon worked for British Vogue for several years until he was invited to NYC to work for the late John Kennedy Jr. and his political magazine, 'George.’ Shooting portraits for a range of international publications including Rolling Stone, the New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Esquire, GQ and the Sunday Times Magazine, Platon developed a special relationship with Time magazine, producing over 20 covers for them. 

 

Alicia Keys, interviewed for her role as "Alex" in Dove's micro-series "Fresh Takes" created and produced by MindShare Entertainment and MTV, premiering on March 24, 2008.

To celebrate Dove’s Go Fresh line launch, the personal care brand partnered with MindShare Entertainment and MTV to premiere a new micro-series starring Alicia Keys, Lynn Whitfield, and up-and-coming actresses Desi Lydi and Jessalyn Wanlim titled “Fresh Takes.”

Premiering during an airing of MTV’s reality program “The Hills” at 10pm/9c on Monday, March 24, 2008, “Fresh Takes” aimed at giving women a fresh take on life in their twenties. Following three New York City roommates as they embark on their adult lives juggling the pressures of being a 20-something woman -- career, relationship, beauty, family and friends -- all intensified by their own critical inner voice. Amidst these pressures, friendship, humor and honesty help them realize a wider definition of success and ultimately feel beautiful. Three-minute episodes were broadcasted weekly nationwide for over a five-week period on MTV. 

“It’s three of us in the series. We all kind of represent a different type of person," Alicia says in a video interview. "Alex tends to be the one that’s a little more level-headed, the one that kind of tells you what you really need to hear when you really need to hear it. She’s a lot like me, that is how I am.

She continues: “I think Dove Go Fresh is definitely very inspiring and relatable because it lets you know you’re not the only one that feels this way. I think that’s a good feeling to know that you’re not alone when you go through your different insecurities. Also, Dove Go Fresh created this series to really encourage my generation of twenty-somethings to just take a step back sometimes and don’t overwork yourself all the time and just…relax! It’s okay, it’s okay to relax. It’ll all be there when we get back. So, I really like that.

“And so I just feel like there comes a certain point where you just have to say to yourself, you know, even if its every two weeks, every once a month, ‘This is my day,’ and on this day I read all day in bed or I go to the museum by myself because I love it or I take a really long bath or I get a great massage or whatever it is. I think that it’s important for us as women to have that day, take that day where everyone else kind of just sits—you don’t answer your phone, it’s alright, they’ll be there when you get back.”

 

To celebrate Dove’s Go Fresh line launch, the personal care brand partnered with MindShare Entertainment and MTV to premiere a new micro-series starring Alicia Keys, Lynn Whitfield, and up-and-coming actresses Desi Lydi and Jessalyn Wanlim titled “Fresh Takes.”

Premiering during an airing of MTV’s reality program “The Hills” at 10pm/9c on Monday, March 24, 2008, “Fresh Takes” aimed at giving women a fresh take on life in their twenties. Following three New York City roommates as they embark on their adult lives juggling the pressures of being a 20-something woman -- career, relationship, beauty, family and friends -- all intensified by their own critical inner voice. Amidst these pressures, friendship, humor and honesty help them realize a wider definition of success and ultimately feel beautiful. 

“I am so excited to be starring in ‘Fresh Takes’ because it puts the pressures that I deal with every day in a new light and opens my eyes to the reality that I can be successful in many different ways and have every reason to feel beautiful right now,” said Alicia, who plays Alex on the show, via a press release. “I hope the series inspires other 20-somethings to get a fresh take on the pressures in their lives and start enjoying the ride.”

"We were launching Dove Go Fresh as the latest phase in the Dove campaign for real beauty. It was inspired by today’s real-life twenty-something women, who are more accomplished and more independent than ever before," said Kathy O’Brien, Dove Marketing Director, in an exclusive interview with JackMyers.com. "We wanted to incorporate the Dove philosophy as well as some subtle Dove product placement." 

Three-minute episodes were broadcasted weekly nationwide for over a five-week period on MTV. The series was also available on Dove’s website. Dove released a promotional compilation featuring Alicia’s 2007 single “No One.”

 

Alicia Keys and Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen” star Maleah Joi Moon, photographed on 35mm film on set of the music video for “Kaleidoscope” at Manhattan Plaza in New York City in April 2024.

“Kaleidoscope” was released March 22nd through Alicia’s indie label AKW Records as the lead single from the Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen” soundtrack album.

It was announced in June 2023 that Alicia had written and would soon introduce her first jukebox musical inspired by her own life and career in NYC. The play features some of her best known hits as well as brand new music specifically written by Alicia exclusively for the play: "River," "Seventeen," and "Kaleidoscope”.

In an interview for Entertainment Weekly Alicia explained the meaning of the song and its creation: "It's that feeling when everything is spectacular and there's this moment that becomes illuminated. "Kaleidoscope" was one of those where we knew that it wanted to feel joyful and fun. It started one way, and as we went on, we realized, ‘You know what? We need a whole dance.’ So, how are we going to add this increased musicality so that they can be feeling that essence of this kaleidoscopic feeling? Each time it grows and grows and grows.^”

^{The official music video was published on Alicia’s YouTube account on April 12, 2024 and was directed by Kajal Patel.}

 

Alicia Keys, photographed as she signs autographs and poses for a photo with entertainment reporter & celebrity interviewer Nick Gallo “The Guy You Know” backstage of The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana during the “As I Am Tour” on September 13, 2008.

In support of her third studio album, the “As I Am Tour,” according to Pollstar, grossed $32 million worldwide in 2008/09, with 55 shows. Opening in late February to December 2008.

 

Alicia Keys, photographed as she performs in Syracuse, New York at the State Fair Grandstand during the New York State Fair on Sunday, August 25, 2002.

The Soul of Syracuse documented that Alicia appeared to the State Fair Grandstand to thunderous applause, greeting and matching the crowd of 7,009 with as much vigor and excitement. She began the show with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.”  Decorated in a sparkling red jacket, shades and her trademark braids, she shouted to the crowd: "Syracuse how y'all feeling out there tonight," continuing, "Tonight I'm ready to rock with y'all," as she led into material from her debut with “Rock Wit U.”

Linda Patterson, 22, said she couldn't wait until Alicia came to Syracuse and especially until she sang her favorite song "Butterflyz." "I can relate to her," Patterson said. "She talks about everything that I go through in relationships." "She's talented and beautiful," said fan Hasan Nimmons. "She's everything; a positive female with a good head on her shoulders and a role model for girls." 

Alicia sang her hits "Butterflyz," "Girlfriend," "How Come You Don't Call Me," and "Mr. Man" to name a few.

The Owens family, who traveled from Tampa, Florida to see the singer perform thought it was worth every second of the drive. Faye Owens said that her daughters, Rhonda Owens, 17, and La Tasha Kendrick, and family friend Jackie Sergi, 17, bought the tickets as soon as they went on sale. She said Keys stands apart from other female artists: “She does everything with God," Owens said. "She's very in tuned to her family. She's very unpretentious." Kendrick agreed: “I like her music overall," Kendrick said, "and she's a positive person." 

The Owens family enjoyed her so much that they said they would be going to follow her on tour: ”We're here to support her," Faye Owens said. "We'll be in Maryland too... also Atlanta. We'll be here waiting for her when she wins her next award. We love her." 

 

Alicia Keys and makeup artist Holly Piselli, photographed in the hotel room after Alicia’s performance in Syracuse, New York at the State Fair Grandstand during the New York State Fair on Sunday, August 25, 2002.

The Soul of Syracuse documented that Alicia appeared to the State Fair Grandstand to thunderous applause, greeting and matching the crowd of 7,009 with as much vigor and excitement. She began the show with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.”  Decorated in a sparkling red jacket, shades and her trademark braids, she shouted to the crowd: "Syracuse how y'all feeling out there tonight," continuing, "Tonight I'm ready to rock with y'all," as she led into material from her debut with “Rock Wit U.”

Linda Patterson, 22, said she couldn't wait until Alicia came to Syracuse and especially until she sang her favorite song "Butterflyz." "I can relate to her," Patterson said. "She talks about everything that I go through in relationships." "She's talented and beautiful," said fan Hasan Nimmons. "She's everything; a positive female with a good head on her shoulders and a role model for girls." 

Alicia sang her hits "Butterflyz," "Girlfriend," "How Come You Don't Call Me," and "Mr. Man" to name a few.

 

Alicia Keys, photographed in her dressing room at Earl’s Court in London during the 24th edition of the annual Brit Awards by Jill Furmanovsky on February 17, 2004.

Alicia was nominated for International Female Solo Artist, losing to Beyoncé, and presented the award for International Breakthrough Act to winner 50 Cent.

Part of the bill of live performances, Alicia with Missy Elliott and Gwen Stefani performed a rendition of Prince’s 1986 hit “Kiss.” Alicia wore a Roberto Cavalli red halter style dress to the 6.18 million viewers who tuned into the ceremony broadcast by the ITV.

The following month in the States, the Verizon Ladies First Tour starring Alicia, Bey and Missy would begin, running until late April. All three ladies performed at the Brits' that year.

“The impressive songwriter, keyboard maestra, vocalist and author was just 23 years old when I photographed her backstage at the Brits,” writes Furmanovsky to her social media. “But she had already sold millions of albums without losing creative control of her material or image. Quite a feat. I interupted her while getting ready for the show in her dressing-room. However she couldn't have been more generous, willingly co-operating for this portrait, she went on to pose with my 17-year old daughter, Leah, who was a massive fan.”

 

Alicia Keys, Olivia, Clive Davis, Erik-Michael Estrada, O-Town’s Trevor Penick and Jimmy Cozier, photographed at the annual Billboard/Airplay Monitor Radio Seminar & Awards in New York by Chuck Pulin on October 5-7, 2000.

The Billboard/Airplay Monitor Radio Seminar & Awards attracted a crowd of 1,500 radio programmers and personalities, consultants, record industry executives, Internet programmers and executives, independent promoters, and publicists. And included a number of live performances during the three day event by artists like Virgin Records’ Crystal Sierra, Tommy Boy Records’ Amber, AFRT’s Eartha, European pop songstress French Affair, and a showcase of Clive Davis’ J Records’ signed acts like Alicia.

With the promise of the label’s rise in excellence, a number of programmers asked Davis if J Records could begin breaking out their acts. Davis rolled out his first signings to his newly formed label as he welcomed Luther Vandross to the stage. 

As featured in the October 21st issue of Billboard magazine, rhythmic top 40 KUBE Seattle operations manager Shellie Hart expressed her anxious wait for Alicia’s debut: “I was stricken with her voice and presence. She has absolute star power.”