Alicia Keys surprises students at her former New York high school and reflects on her own musical journey – Blogging Sole

alicia keys, 16 times Grammy Award winning artistShe recently returned to the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City where she began her musical journey.

The visit came during a special segment of “CBS Mornings,” as Keys continues to enjoy a breakout year, including a Grammy nomination for her Broadway musical.Hell’s Kitchen.”

Keys, who graduated as valedictorian, shared her memories of school.

“I’ve always been very social. “I’m definitely a troublemaker,” she laughed. “Like it is, I test people and I like to challenge people. I was definitely challenging the teachers for sure.

Reflecting on her early music experiences, Keys recalled signing her first record deal and debut album at the age of 20, which won five Grammy Awards including “Song of the Year” for her song “Fallin’.”

“I remember…anything was possible,” she said, looking around the school. “Anything would happen.”

Keys reunites with her former music teacher

Her visit also brought her back to her former music teacher, Linda Aziza Miller, who taught Keys how to arrange music and hone her craft.

“She taught me a lot about how to arrange music, how to arrange a song. Those are the things that I took and put into the music,” Keys said.

This teacher-student bond is now reflected in Keys Broadway production “Hell’s Kitchen”, where a character named Mrs. Lisa Jane was inspired by Keyes’ grandmother and Mrs. Aziza.

Ms. Aziza, now the pianist for the Hell’s Kitchen band at the Shubert Theatre, was moved by the encounter.

“It’s really a moment I never expected,” she said.

The visit culminated in a surprise for the theater class, where Keys joined the students in an impromptu performance of “This Girl Is on Fire.”

“I’m so happy to see you guys,” Keys told them. “I’m really honored to be here, to talk to you and have a second. Just telling you that I’m proud of you and that I really know you.

Keys also took time to share tips with students.

“I want you to always be yourself,” she said. “I want you to never forget that the more unique you are, the more you stand out.”

Gayle King

Gayle King is an award-winning journalist and co-host of “CBS Mornings.” King interviews top newsmakers and provides original reporting to “CBS Mornings” and all CBS News programs and platforms. She is also editor-at-large for Oprah Daily and hosts “Gayle King in the House,” a live weekly radio show on SiriusXM.