The biography of Aaliyah Dana Haughton, known as Aaliyah. She was an American singer, actress, and model born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 16, 1979.
Aaliyah became one of the most promising R&B artists of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her life was tragically cut short when she died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, at 22.
This biography offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Aaliyah Dana Haughton.
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Early Life and Career
Aaliyah’s parents were Diane and Michael Haughton, and she had one older brother named Rashad.
Her family moved to Detroit when she was five years old, and it was there that she began her music career.
At age 10, Aaliyah appeared on the television show “Star Search,” In 1991, she signed with Jive Records.
Aaliyah’s first album, “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number,” was produced by R. Kelly and released in 1994.
The album was a commercial success, selling over three million copies in the United States and producing the hit singles “Back & Forth” and “At Your Best (You Are Love).”
Despite the album’s success, rumors circulated that Aaliyah had secretly married R. Kelly, who was 12 years her senior when she was just 15 years old. Aaliyah and R. Kelly denied the rumors but were confirmed true in 2021.
Her second album, “One in a Million,” was released in 1996 and was produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott.
The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over eight million copies worldwide and producing the hit singles “If Your Girl Only Knew” and “One in a Million.”
Aaliyah’s music videos also became popular, and she won awards for her choreography and fashion sense.
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Acting Career
In addition to her music career, Aaliyah also pursued acting. She made her acting debut in 1997 in the film “Romeo Must Die,” produced by Joel Silver and directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak.
Aaliyah plays the role of Trish O’Day, a street-smart girl who helps a young man seeking revenge for his brother’s death.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $90 million worldwide. Aaliyah also appeared in the 2000 film “Queen of the Damned,” which was based on the novel by Anne Rice.
Aaliyah plays the role of Queen Akasha, a vampire who awakens from a long sleep and begins a quest to rule the world. The film was released after Aaliyah’s death and was dedicated to her memory.
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Personal Life
Aaliyah was known for being private about her personal life, but it was widely reported that she dated Damon Dash, the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records.
The couple reportedly began dating in 2000 and were together until Aaliyah died in 2001. Dash has spoken publicly about his love for Aaliyah and her death’s impact on him.
Death and Legacy
Aaliyah’s life was tragically cut short when she died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001.
Aaliyah had just finished filming the music video for her single “Rock the Boat” in the Bahamas and was returning to the United States when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff. Aaliyah, her video crew, and the pilot were all killed in the crash.
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