Alicia Keys First Recorded Song Ever 'Little Drummer Girl'

R&B/Soul legend Alicia Keys hit her official blog to share with us the first ever song she recorded for release. In time for the holiday season Alicia is soulfully Christmas on her cover of 'Little Drummer Boy'.

This was the absolute FIRST song I ever recorded that was going to be released in some way. I can't even remember exactly when it was? Maybe 1996?

If u can imagine young AK in Tims and jeans walking down those mean and dirty New York streets diddy-boppin to the Reasonable Doubt album or maybe Ray's Purple Tape. I was so excited about picking a Christmas song to record for an album called "The 12 Soulful Nights of Christmas" that JD and my then label, Columbia Records were putting together.

I remember sitting at my piano, vibing on the freshest way I could play one of my favorite songs "Little Drummer Boy" which of course had to be renamed "The Little Drummer Girl" ;-)

I was in my one bedroom apartment at the piano in the corner of the living room, just steps away from my "bedroom" and I played these jazzy style chords since I was starting to really get into jazz structures. Anyway I stayed up late into the night to come up with the ultimate "Flip."

Then I went into the Studio with Rodney Jerkins and we produced the record together. I knew I wanted those Al Green style drums bangin behind it. In fact, I knew exactly what I wanted, and that was the beginning of me learning to become a producer.

I have the best memory of this song. It was one of my "firsts" and now as I approach another First - experiencing the first Christmas with our Son. I feel like it's only right to share this song with you.

Freshly remastered and ready for your holiday spirit: Little Drummer Girl! Sending you massive love and blessings during this time right into the most spectacular New Year you've ever known! With love and gratitude,
Alicia

Alicia Keys - Little Drummer Girl by RCA Music Group