Alicia Keys Honors Kobe Bryant By Performing Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" At Memorial

Feb 26, 2020 by apost team

Alicia Keys took the stage during the public memorial service held for Kobe and Gianna Bryant and the other victims of the January 26th helicopter crash at the Staples Center on Monday. She paid her respects to the NBA legend by playing "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven.

The 39-year-old singer wore a purple suit, likely for the Lakers' color, and had her hair packed into a neat bun. She played a piano rendition of the Beethoven song with background string accompiantment. 

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"Piano Sonata No.14" by Beethoven was reportedly one of Kobe's favorite songs, and also a piece that he had taught himself to play. This made Alicia Key's choice to play the song even more meaningful.

Keys posted on her Instagram to recall how she was speechless after widow Vanessa Bryant told her that "Moonlight Sonata" was a part of the couple's love story. In her post she said:

"I'm so honored to celebrate your deep connection to each other today. I felt the depth of your love for each other and your girls with every note that I played today. Love is the most powerful force."

NBA star Kobe died alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Bryant and seven other victims in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26th. Kobe had vowed to learn the Beethoven song as a token of his love for Vanessa long before they were even married, and he kept his promise.

The public memorial in which Keys performed was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles where Kobe played for most of his career; the venue is also known as "The House That Kobe Built."

The "Celebration of Life" memorial for Kobe and Gianna had many prominent people as attendees such as Beyoncé, Jay Z, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and thousands of fans among the Bryant family and their friends. 

Music-icon Beyoncé opened the public service to perform her songs "Halo" and "XO" of which the latter was Kobe's favorite track of hers as Beyoncé revealed . 

Beyoncé, as well as others, were present and ready to give Kobe's widow, Vanessa, a standing ovation during her moving eulogy to her late husband and daughter. Vanessa reflected on her life with the Lakers player and their daughter "Gigi," Vanessa said:

"I couldn't see him as a celebrity, nor just an incredible basketball player. He was my sweet husband and the beautiful father of our children. He was my...he was my everything."

Following the fatal helicopter crash on January 26th, Alicia Keys was a host for the 2020 Grammys and honored Bryant with her rendition of "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday." 39-year-old Keys' performance was rendered alongside the famous group, Boyz II Men. 

Keys also gave a heartfelt monologue to the crash victims at the Grammys, which was held at the Staples Center on the night of Kobe's death. As the legendary basketball star and his daughter were finally put to rest, thousands came to publicly honor their legacy. 

We hope Kobe, Gigi, and the other victims rest in peace. Did you watch Alicia's performance? What do you think about the thoughtful story behind the tune? Let us know your thoughts and pass this on to others so they can give their thoughts too.