More Myself: A Journey

by Alicia Keys

Overview

An intimate, revealing look at one artist’s journey from self-censorship to full expression

As one of the most celebrated musicians in the world, Alicia Keys has enraptured the globe with her heartfelt lyrics, extraordinary vocal range, and soul-stirring piano compositions. Yet away from the spotlight, Alicia has grappled with private heartache—over the challenging and complex relationship with her father, the people-pleasing nature that characterized her early career, the loss of privacy surrounding her romantic relationships, and the oppressive expectations of female perfection.

Since Alicia rose to fame, her public persona has belied a deep personal truth: she has spent years not fully recognizing or honoring her own worth. After withholding parts of herself for so long, she is at last exploring the questions that live at the heart of her story: Who am I, really? And once I discover that truth, how can I become brave enough to embrace it?

More Myself is part autobiography, part narrative documentary. Alicia’s journey is revealed not only through her own candid recounting, but also through vivid recollections from those who have walked alongside her. The result is a 360-degree perspective on Alicia’s path, from her girlhood in Hell’s Kitchen and Harlem to the process of growth and self-discovery that we all must navigate.

In More Myself, Alicia shares her quest for truth—about herself, her past, and her shift from sacrificing her spirit to celebrating her worth. With the raw honesty that epitomizes Alicia’s artistry, More Myself is at once a riveting account and a clarion call to readers: to define themselves in a world that rarely encourages a true and unique identity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250153296
Publisher:	Flatiron Books
Publication date:	03/31/2020
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	14,689
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

ALICIA KEYS is a modern-day Renaissance woman—a 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist/songwriter/musician/producer, an accomplished actress, a New York Times bestselling author, a film/television and Broadway producer, an entrepreneur, and a powerful force in the world of activism. Since the release of her monumental 2001 debut album, songs in A minor, Keys has sold over 40 million records and built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments. Keys resides in the New York City area with her husband, super-producer/visionary and entrepreneur Swizz Beatz, and their children.

MICHELLE BURFORD is a #1 New York Times bestselling collaborative writer and a founding editor of O, The Oprah Magazine. A native of Phoenix, she now resides in New York City.

Table of Contents

First Word 1

Part 1 Dreaming

1 Unmasked 9

2 Beginnings 12

3 Flying Solo 31

4 Columbia 42

5 Transitions 57

6 World Stage 71

7 Diary Notes 85

8 Pilgrimage 102

Part 2 Creating

9 Ground Shift 117

10 Sunflower 127

11 Empire 136

12 Corsica 145

13 On Fire 155

Part 3 Awakening

14 New Vision 169

15 Resounding Yes 185

16 Baring Soul 201

17 Crossroads 212

18 Homeland 225

19 Full Wattage 237

Last Word 251

Acknowledgments 255

Editorial Reviews

2020-04-20
The acclaimed singer and songwriter shares her story.

In this passionate and honest autobiography, Keys, who describes herself as “a piano prodigy in cornrows, mixing classical music with hip-hop beats and bass lines alongside a dash of gospel,” opens with a few memories from her childhood, when she was raised by her mother with little involvement from her biological father. She describes how she developed her persona and image and maintained her independence beginning with debut album, Songs in A Minor, which would eventually sell more than 16 million copies. Throughout her career, she has successfully avoided being manipulated by record label executives, many of whom didn’t know how to classify her as an artist. “A record label is a marketing machine,” she notes. “Behind its doors, fledgling artists are crafted into whatever image the label’s execs think they can sell.” Regardless, the reactions by the public quickly pushed Keys to the top of the charts. She chronicles her music-making process and nods to her many collaborators, and she opens a window into her personal life that sheds light on her triumphs, doubts, fears, and the exhausting nature of being thrust into stardom at an early age. She also shares intimate moments with her husband, record producer Swizz Beatz—e.g., the extravagant birthday parties they’ve thrown for each other, the births of her two sons, and the blended family they created with Swizz’s other children—and explains the passions that have led her to start nonprofit organizations and tackle social injustices. In a conversational tone, Keys unveils the woman behind the microphone, giving readers an accessible view of what makes her tick. Since many aspects of her life are apparent in her music, readers may want to listen to an album or two after reading certain sections of the book.

Energetic and keen revelations of the life beyond the spotlight of a significant contemporary musician.

Kirkus Reviews

06/01/2019

The 15-time Grammy Award-winning musical artist and actor, producer, and activist isn't content just to write about her career and those she has worked with on her rise to the top. She also examines how little she valued herself at the beginning and how she had to learn what mattered to her the most.

Library Journal

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