The visit came during a special segment on “CBS Mornings,” as Keys continues to enjoy a stellar year, including a Grammy nomination for her Broadway musical.Hell’s Kitchen.”
Keyes, who graduated as class valedictorian, shared her memories of the school.
“I’ve always been quite social. I’m definitely a troublemaker,” she laughs. “In the sense of like, I test people and I like people, challenge people. I was definitely challenging the teachers.”
Reflecting on her early musical experiences, Keys signed her first record deal and released her debut album at age 20, which won five Grammys, including “Year of the Year” for her hit “Fallen.” “Best Song” was included.
“I remember feeling like … everything was possible. Everything was going to happen,” she said, looking around the school.
Keyes reunites with her former music teacher.
His tour also brought him back to his former music teacher Linda Aziza Miller, who taught Keys how to compose music and improve his craft.
“He taught me a lot about arranging music, how to arrange songs. Those are things that I took, and I put into music,” Keys said.
That teacher-student relationship is now reflected in Keys Broadway production “Hell’s Kitchen” where a character named Ms. Lisa Jane is inspired by both Keys’ grandmother and Ms. Aziza.
Ms. Aziza, now orchestra pianist for “Hell’s Kitchen” at the Shubert Theater, was moved by the reunion.
“It’s really a moment that I never saw coming,” she said.
The tour culminated with a surprise performance for the theater class, where Keys joined the students for an impromptu performance of “The Girl on Fire.”
“I’m so glad to see you guys,” Keys told them. “It’s an honor to be here, to talk to you and have a second. Just to let you know that I’m proud of you and that you know, I really know you.”
Keys also took a moment to share advice with the students.
“I want you to be yourself forever,” she said. “I want you to never forget that the more unique you are, the more you stand out.”