Alicia Keys, photographed in New York for a feature in W magazine by Jenny Gage & Tom Betterton in 2007.

In the corresponding March interview, writer Whitney McNally describes Alicia as “an Egyptian goddess,” “with her smooth Ovaltine skin. Glossy slick-straight black hair and heavily charcoaled eyes—courtesy of the shoot’s hair and makeup artists—she looks like an Egyptian goddess, albeit in a cropped fur-trimmed bomber jacket.” 

Alicia opens up about taking time for herself and slowing down but also getting back into work after a mental-health vacation as she stars in Joe Carnahan’s Smokin’ Aces and Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini’s The Nanny Diaries. 

Smokin’ Aces director Joe Carnahan describes working with Alicia for her first big screen role: “She’s so amazing that you forget how young she is,” says Carnahan. “She projects this strong, dynamic woman and has this power source that she uses to great effort.”

Three months after wrapping Smokin’ Aces, Alicia went to work on The Nanny Diaries. “[The role] was completely and totally different from Smokin’ Aces, and that’s really my goal in everything that I do, from my music to film,” says Alicia. “I want people to not know what to expect from me.”

 

Alicia Keys, representing the organization Keep a Child Alive, photographed as she speaks at the second day of the ServiceNation Summit in New York at the Hilton on 1335 Sixth Ave on Friday, September 12, 2008. 

For over two days (Sept. 11-12) in New York City, 500 leaders from universities, foundations, businesses and politics came together to celebrate the power of citizen service, and set to lay out a bold policy blueprint for addressing America’s greatest social challenges through expanded opportunities for volunteer and national service.

The Summit began with a presidential candidates’ forum on the evening of September 11, where Senators McCain and Obama spoke about their views on the role of citizenship and service in post-9/11 America. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomed the attendees when the proceedings continued the following day, and the summit concluded with a keynote addressed by then California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The lineup of speakers and panelists included Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, Usher, Kenneth Cole, Tobey Maguire, Jon Bon Jovi and others.

 

Alicia Keys, photographed at AOL headquarters at 770 Broadway in New York City by Diana Levine in December 2009.

Levine photographed Alicia for the promotion of her special performance on ‘AOL Sessions,’ premiering on January 14, 2010. Alicia played material from her new album “The Element of Freedom,” which debuted on the Billboard 200 at #2 that December with 417k units sold. Including hits like “Unthinkable (I’m Ready),” “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart,” and “Empire State of Mind (Part II).”

The Boston photographer revealed some behind-the-scenes action of the shoot to her social media: “It was a pretty simple set up because I was photographing her in a lobby with white walls, white ceiling and white floors,” Levine explains. “So I didn’t even need to set up a backdrop! I lit the wall with 2 lights in the back, and I used two octobanks [lights], I can’t remember the size — maybe 3 or 4’ octabanks?. One for my key, and one for fill. Usually I set my key at a couple shots above the fill.”

Alicia Keys, photographed at AOL headquarters at 770 Broadway in New York City by Diana Levine in December 2009.

Levine photographed Alicia for the promotion of her special performance on ‘AOL Sessions,’ premiering on January 14, 2010. Alicia played material from her new album “The Element of Freedom,” which debuted on the Billboard 200 at #2 that December with 417k units sold. Including hits like “Unthinkable (I’m Ready),” “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart,” and “Empire State of Mind (Part II).”

The Boston photographer revealed some behind-the-scenes action of the shoot to her social media: “It was a pretty simple set up because I was photographing her in a lobby with white walls, white ceiling and white floors,” Levine explains. “So I didn’t even need to set up a backdrop! I lit the wall with 2 lights in the back, and I used two octobanks [lights], I can’t remember the size — maybe 3 or 4’ octabanks?. One for my key, and one for fill. Usually I set my key at a couple shots above the fill.”

 

Alicia Keys, photographed before the release of her debut studio album on East 21st Street in New York by James Patrick Cooper in early 2001.

Cooper used the Mamiya M645 camera with Fujifilm NPS 160 film to photograph the young star.  

 

Alicia Keys, photographed before the release of her debut studio album on East 21st Street with Gramercy Park in the background in New York by James Patrick Cooper in early 2001.

Cooper used the Mamiya M645 camera with Fujifilm NPS 160 film to photograph the young star. This was the first time he met Alicia, describing the shoot to social media: “The first time I met Alicia Keys and had her hang out the studio window over E21st. This was before her first album on J Records ‘Songs in A minor.’” 

 

Alicia Keys, photographed wearing Iceberg for the cover of the 78th issue of British lifestyle magazine Dazed & Confused (now Dazed) by Terry Richardson in June 2001.

In Alicia’s 2020 memoir More Myself, she recalls how she felt “manipulated” and “objectified” during a photoshoot before the release of her debut album around 19-years-old. Although she did not name the photographer nor publication, many fans and news outlets drew unmistaken comparisons between her descriptions.

Known to models as "Uncle Terry," Richardson has been infamous since the 1990s for "an almost soft-p*rn aesthetic" featuring nudity, innuendo and simulated sex acts, according to The Guardian. Since the early 2000s, he’s been accused multiple times of using his influence in the fashion industry to sexually exploit models during shoots. In 2017, major fashion magazines like Vogue, GQ and Vanity Fair announced they would stop commissioning Richardson.

While on set, the photographer insisted that he needed to shoot photos of her alone, which her team obliged. “When I emerge from the dressing room, there’s just the two of us on set. ‘Open up your shirt a little,’ he directs while firing off a flurry of camera snaps,” Alicia writes in her book. “My spirit is screaming that something is wrong, that this feels sleazy. But my protests, lodged in the back of my throat, can’t make their way out.”

The photographer then asked her to pull the top of her jeans down a bit in the front. “If I say no, what doors will be closed to me? I swallow my misgivings, tuck my thumb between the denim and my skin, and obey,” she recollected. She says she “cried harder than ever” once she went home after the shoot. Alicia was appalled once she saw the cover when it finally dropped. “On the day of the cover’s debut, I pass a newsstand where the magazine is on display. I almost throw up.” 

Alicia added that the discomfort didn’t just stem from showing skin on a magazine cover, it was the feeling of being taken advantage of: “This isn’t about me showing some skin, which I’ll do on my own terms, for my own purposes, in the coming years. It’s about feeling manipulated. It’s about being objectified,” she writes. “I am beyond embarrassed, ashamed that I’ve sold part of myself…Had Jeff Robinson been in there, he would’ve voiced what I couldn’t at the time: Hell no. Close that shirt. Take your hand off your tit. And you’re not going to yank down your jeans.”

The experience had a profound impact on the now mother: “I swear that I’ll never again let someone rob me of my power,” she wrote. “It’s a promise I still work to keep.”

 

Alicia Keys, photographed exclusively for her feature in the October issue of Vibe magazine by Danielle Levitt in 2001.

She wears a black sheer long-sleeve top with a zip-up neck by Dolce & Gabbana, blue denim zebra-striped pants with snakeskin detail by Baby Phat, and a black leather belt by Plein Sud.

Brooklyn-based former executive editor of Vibe Lakán Angelo Ragaza writes about the new J Records artist in a walk-up studio in Alicia’s native West Side Manhattan neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen as she rehearses for her support act on Maxwell’s upcoming national tour in July. Alicia’s Songs in A Minor debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 1, selling over 236,000 copies at the time.

“It’s been one trial, one test of confidence and faith after the next,” Alicia confides to Vibe. “Success doesn’t just mean that I’m the singer, and you give me my 14 points, and that’s all. That’s not how it’s going down. I plan to expand, in every way possible.”

 

“The Maestro” 

Alicia Keys, photographed exclusively for her feature in the October issue of Vibe magazine by Danielle Levitt in 2001.

Brooklyn-based former executive editor of Vibe Lakán Angelo Ragaza writes about the new J Records artist in a walk-up studio in Alicia’s native West Side Manhattan neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen as she rehearses for her support act on Maxwell’s upcoming national tour in July. Alicia’s Songs in A Minor debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 1, selling over 236,000 copies at the time.

Father to So So Def Recordings’ Jermaine Dupri, Michael Mauldin signed Alicia to the Columbia label when he was senior Vice President of black music. But when he left the label, Alicia languished in development hell. “I think he had the vision for where she was going to be,” Dupri says to Vibe. “Nobody else had that same guidance as far as watching over her project and making sure it was going to go down the way he planned—a real project that you have to take your time with. It probably was a sour experience for her.”

“It’s been one trial, one test of confidence and faith after the next,” Alicia confides to Vibe. “Success doesn’t just mean that I’m the singer, and you give me my 14 points, and that’s all. That’s not how it’s going down. I plan to expand, in every way possible.”

 

Alicia Keys and “Ruff Ryders’ First Lady” Eve, photographed performing during the NFL’s Kickoff Concert in Times Square on September 5, 2002. 

The concert was a kickoff to the NFL's first game of the season as the NFL led an unprecedented day of music and football-themed festivities in celebration and countdown to the San Francisco 49ers Vs. the New York Giants game at Giants Stadium that night. Crowds saw live performances from Bon Jovi, Enrique Iglesias, and Eve duetting with Alicia on stage adorned in tailored jerseys from their respective home cities.

Alicia and Eve duetted on the lead single “Gangsta Lovin’” from Eve’s third studio album “Eve-Olution” released in late August. The song became Eve’s second number two hit on the Billboard Hot 100, following 2001’s “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”. The two additionally appeared in the music video for “Gangsta Lovin’” together.

Televised by CBS, MTV, VH-1 and ESPN, the concert included recognition and support of New York’s September 11 memorial events with the NFL and the Players Association contributing about $10 million to Sept. 11 disaster relief funds. The game itself was a historic occasion as the NFL had never opened its season on a Thursday night before.

Then New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defended the party, which arrived six days before the first anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center: “What the city gets out of the event is a lot of money to help fund the ceremony downtown for 9/11 and a lot of money to help in the re-development of downtown," he said.

In addition to marking the NFL's new season, the "NFL Kickoff Live from Times Square" is also a celebration "of the resilient spirit of New York and America."

The 49ers would beat the Giants 16-13.

 

Alicia Keys, photographed as she arrives at the first Alexander McQueen New York store opening in Manhattan’s meatpacking district at 419 West 14th Street on September 5, 2002.

McQueen’s 3,600-square-foot store was his first in the United States accompanying newcomer Stella McCartney. Both stores located in the former meatpacking plants on 14th Street, west of Ninth Avenue and a few doors from Jeffrey’s, another designer clothing store. Other tenants on the block included the housewares shop Bodum and several art galleries. 

Jeffery Kalinsky, who opened Jeffery’s in 1999, said he welcomed the McQueen and McCartney stores: “It gives people more reason to come to the neighborhood,” he said.

In a statement, Mr. McQueen said the neighborhood “projects an exciting energy that is unique for New York and totally right for McQueen.”

Despite the influx of small shops, many retailers still considered the area remote and untested as a shopping district, said Robin Abrams a broker with the Lansco Corporation. “For fashion-forward retailers and designers,” she said, “this is making more of a statement than going to SoHo or NoLiTa.” 

Earlier in the day Alicia performed at the NFL’s Kickoff Concert in Times Square. The concert was a kickoff to the NFL's first game of the season as the NFL led an unprecedented day of music and football-themed festivities in celebration and countdown to the San Francisco 49ers Vs. the New York Giants game at Giants Stadium that night.

 

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.”