Alicia Keys has had a pretty good year.
The singer-songwriter married Kaseem “Swizz Beats” Dean last year and had the couple’s child last October. This year, she’s re-releasing “Songs in A Minor,” her acclaimed 2001 debut LP, in a two-CD and three-CD format with new tracks and a DVD to celebrate its 10th anniversary. And later this year, she’ll make her directorial debut on Lifetime, helming a short film with Tracee Ellis Ross, Jenifer Lewis and Rosario Dawson as part of the “Project 5” breast cancer series.
But of course, its music where Keys has made her mark, and the 10-year anniversary release of “Songs in A Minor” marks a real milestone. That CD, spearheaded by its popular lead single, “Fallin,’” sold 12 million copies worldwide and earned her Keys her first five Grammy Awards, including one for Best New Artist in 2002. The accolades have been piling up ever since.
Keys has won a total of 104 awards, including five American Music Awards, six BET Awards, 10 Billboard Music Awards and 14 Grammys. She achieved another milestone recently – having her likeness set in wax for the famed Madame Tussaud’s.
“It’s incredibly surreal for me to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of ‘Songs in A Minor,’ says Keys. “Looking back on the journey, I’m truly moved by my fans and friends who’ve been with me and have supported me throughout my career. This album is possibly the most precious to me, as your first album only happens once, and so ‘Songs In A Minor’ will always hold a special place in my life that’s filled with amazing memories. I’m so proud that the songs are still being enjoyed around the world, and I’m crazy excited to share, through the 10th anniversary edition, songs never heard before, and even more of my debut album with you.”
