The Black Keys, formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001, are a multi-Grammy-winning American rock duo whose blues-infused, garage-rock sound has made them one of the most successful guitar acts of the 21st century. Childhood friends and neighbors Dan Auerbach (lead vocals, guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums) founded the group as a stripped-down two-piece, recording their early albums in basements before signing to indie label Alive Records.

After early independent releases, The Big Come Up (2002) and Thickfreakness (2003), the duo signed with Nonesuch Records and slowly built a devoted following through albums including Rubber Factory (2004), Magic Potion (2006), and the Danger Mouse-produced Attack & Release (2008). Their commercial breakthrough arrived with Brothers (2010), which produced the hit single "Tighten Up" and won Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance.