Aaliyah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aaliyah
Aaliyah in 2000
Born	Aaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-01-16)January 16, 1979 New York City, US
Died	August 25, 2001(2001-08-25) (aged 22) Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands, Bahamas
Cause of death	Airplane crash
Burial place	Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York, US
Other names	Baby Girl
Education	Detroit School of Arts
Occupation	Singer actress dancer
Years active	1989–2001
Spouse(s)	R. Kelly ​ ​ (m. 1994; ann. 1995)​
Relatives	Rashad Haughton (brother) Barry Hankerson (uncle) Tek (cousin)
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, US
Genres	R&B pop hip hop alternative R&B progressive soul neo soul
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Blackground Jive Atlantic Virgin
Signature

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (born January 16, 1979 – died August 25, 2001) was an American singer and actress. She is known for helping to change contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop music. People often called her the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop."

Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. She first became known at age 10 when she appeared on the TV show Star Search. She also performed in concerts with famous singer Gladys Knight. At 12, Aaliyah signed with Jive Records and her uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records. Her uncle introduced her to R. Kelly, who became her mentor and helped produce her first album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994). This album sold three million copies in the United States. After some personal issues, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records.

Aaliyah then worked with producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott for her second album, One in a Million (1996). This album sold three million copies in the US and over eight million worldwide. In 2000, Aaliyah started acting in the movie Romeo Must Die. She also sang songs for the film's soundtrack, including her hit single "Try Again". This song was the first ever to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart based only on how much it was played on the radio.

After Romeo Must Die, Aaliyah filmed her main role in Queen of the Damned, which was released after her death. In July 2001, she released her third album, Aaliyah, which reached number one on the Billboard 200. This album included popular songs like "Rock the Boat" and "More Than a Woman".

Sadly, on August 25, 2001, Aaliyah died in an airplane accident in the Bahamas at age 22. Eight other people on board also died when the plane crashed shortly after taking off. Even after her death, Aaliyah's music has continued to be very popular. She has sold millions of albums around the world. Billboard magazine has named her one of the most successful female R&B artists. She received many awards, including three American Music Awards and two MTV VMAs.

Aaliyah's Early Life and Education

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Diane and Michael Haughton. Her name, Aaliyah, comes from the Arabic word for "highest" or "most exalted." She loved her name and said she was "very proud of it."

When Aaliyah was five, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan. She grew up there with her older brother, Rashad. Her mother, who was also a singer, enrolled Aaliyah in voice lessons when she was young. Aaliyah started performing at weddings, in church choirs, and at charity events. She went to a Catholic school, Gesu Elementary, where she acted in a play called Annie. This play made her want to become an entertainer.

Aaliyah's uncle, Barry Hankerson, was a lawyer in the entertainment business. He was married to Gladys Knight. As a child, Aaliyah traveled with Gladys Knight and worked with an agent to try out for TV shows and commercials. She appeared on Star Search in 1989 when she was ten, singing "My Funny Valentine". She also performed in concerts with Gladys Knight when she was 11. Aaliyah had several interesting pets growing up, including ducks, snakes, and iguanas.

Aaliyah went to schools in Detroit. She felt well-liked, but some kids teased her for being short. However, by age 15, she learned to love her height. She believed it was important to "think highly of yourself." She graduated from the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. She felt it was very important to get an education, even if you were a singer. She thought about becoming a music teacher or drama teacher if her music career didn't work out.

Aaliyah's Music Career

First Album: Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1991–1995)

When Aaliyah was 12, her uncle Barry Hankerson signed her to his Blackground Records label. He then introduced her to singer and producer R. Kelly. Kelly became Aaliyah's mentor and helped write and produce her first album.

Aaliyah's first album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was released on May 24, 1994, when she was 14. It quickly became popular, selling 38,000 copies in its first week. The album reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 3 million copies in the US. It also sold well in Canada.

The first song from the album, "Back & Forth", was a big hit. It reached number 5 on the Hot 100 chart. Other songs like "At Your Best (You Are Love)" and "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" also became popular.

Second Album: One in a Million and Romeo Must Die (1996–2000)

In 1996, Aaliyah signed with Atlantic Records. She started working with new producers, Timbaland and Missy Elliott, on her second album, One in a Million. Missy Elliott later said that she and Timbaland were nervous to work with Aaliyah because she was already famous. But Aaliyah was very kind and made them feel like family.

The album's first song, "If Your Girl Only Knew", was a hit. Other popular songs from the album included "Hot Like Fire" and "4 Page Letter". One in a Million sold 3 million copies in the US and over eight million copies worldwide.

In 1997, Aaliyah graduated from high school. That same year, she started her acting career by playing herself in the TV show New York Undercover. She also became a spokesperson for the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, and the clothes she wore in their ads became very popular. Aaliyah sang "Journey to the Past" for the animated movie Anastasia. She even performed this song at the 1998 Academy Awards ceremony, becoming the youngest singer to do so. In 1998, she released the song "Are You That Somebody?" for the Dr. Dolittle movie soundtrack. This song earned her first Grammy Award nomination.

In 1999, Aaliyah got her first major movie role in Romeo Must Die. She starred with martial artist Jet Li. The movie was released on March 24, 2000, and did very well at the box office.

Aaliyah in 2000

Aaliyah also helped produce the movie's soundtrack and sang four songs for it. Her song "Try Again" from the soundtrack became a huge hit. It was the first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart just from radio plays. The music video for "Try Again" won awards at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. The soundtrack sold 1.5 million copies in the United States.

Third Album: Aaliyah and Queen of the Damned (2001)

After Romeo Must Die, Aaliyah started working on her second movie, Queen of the Damned. She also spent a year recording her third album, which was finished in March 2001.

Her album, Aaliyah, was released on July 17, 2001. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The first song from the album was "We Need a Resolution". After Aaliyah's death, her album rose to number one on the Billboard 200 chart. "Rock the Boat" was released after she passed away. Its music video became very popular. The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was later certified double platinum.

Other songs like "More than a Woman" and "I Care 4 U" were also released after her death. "More than a Woman" reached number one on the UK singles chart, making Aaliyah the first female artist to reach number one there after passing away.

Aaliyah was planning to appear in more movies, including a romantic film and a remake of the 1976 movie Sparkle. She had also filmed some scenes for the The Matrix sequels as the character Zee. These scenes were later included in a tribute section of The Matrix Ultimate Collection.

Aaliyah's Voice and Musical Style

Aaliyah had a high singing voice, known as a soprano. She sang in many different music styles, including R&B, pop, hip hop, funk, soul, and dance-pop.

Musical Influences

Aaliyah said she was inspired by many artists. These included Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Sade, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Barbra Streisand. She called Michael Jackson's Thriller her "favorite album." Aaliyah always wanted to work with Janet Jackson, saying, "I admire her a great deal. She's a total performer." Janet Jackson also admired Aaliyah and said she would have liked to work with her.

Aaliyah's Personal Life

Family Support

Aaliyah's family was very important in her career. Her father, Michael Haughton, was her personal manager, and her mother helped him. Her brother, Rashad Haughton, and cousin, Jomo Hankerson, were also often with her when she worked. When her father became ill, her brother Rashad became her manager.

Relationship with Damon Dash

At the time of her death, Aaliyah was dating Damon Dash, who helped start Roc-A-Fella Records. Damon Dash said in interviews after her death that they had planned to get married.

Aaliyah's Death

On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah and eight other people boarded a small plane in the Bahamas. They had just finished filming the music video for "Rock the Boat". They had a flight scheduled for the next day, but they wanted to return to the US sooner.

The plane they took was smaller than the one they had arrived on. The plane crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off, about 200 feet from the end of the runway. Aaliyah and the eight others on board died. These included the pilot Luis Morales III, hair stylist Eric Forman, Anthony Dodd, security guard Scott Gallin, family friend Keith Wallace, make-up stylist Christopher Maldonado, and Blackground Records employees Douglas Kratz and Gina Smith.

Another pilot nearby said he heard passengers arguing with the pilot, Luis Morales, before takeoff. He said Morales warned them the plane was too heavy for a safe flight. But the passengers insisted on leaving right away.

An investigation found that the plane was overloaded by 700 pounds and had one more passenger than it was allowed to carry. The report also said the pilot was not approved to fly the plane and had gotten his license falsely.

Funeral Service

Aaliyah's private funeral was held on August 31, 2001, in Manhattan, New York. Her body was in a silver casket, carried by a horse-drawn carriage. About 800 people attended the service.

Many famous people were there, including Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Gladys Knight, and Lil' Kim. After the service, 22 white doves were released, one for each year of Aaliyah's life.

Aaliyah's brother, Rashad, spoke at the funeral. He talked about how his sister gave him strength. He also asked everyone to pray for the other victims of the crash. As people left, they sang Aaliyah's song "One in a Million".

Music Released After Aaliyah's Death

Compilations and New Songs (2001–2014)

After Aaliyah's death, there was a question about whether the music video for "Rock the Boat" would be shown. It premiered on TV on October 9, 2001. Aaliyah won two awards after her death at the American Music Awards of 2002.

Her second and final movie, Queen of the Damned, was released in February 2002. Aaliyah's brother, Rashad, helped re-record some of her lines for the movie. The movie was very successful.

On the first anniversary of Aaliyah's death, fans held a candlelight vigil in Times Square. Many radio stations played her music to remember her. In December 2002, a collection of her songs, including some that had not been released before, came out as her first album after her death, called I Care 4 U. Some of the money from this album was given to the Aaliyah Memorial Fund, which helps cancer research. The album sold 280,000 copies in its first week. The main song from the album, "Miss You", became very popular.

In April 2005, another album called Ultimate Aaliyah was released in the United Kingdom. In 2011, a documentary movie called Aaliyah Live in Amsterdam came out, showing unseen footage from her early career.

In 2012, a song called "Enough Said" featuring rapper Drake was released. In 2013, Aaliyah was featured on the song "Don't Think They Know" by Chris Brown.

Merchandise and Catalog Re-release (2015–Present)

In May 2015, Aaliyah was featured on the song "Million" by Tink, which used parts of Aaliyah's song "One in a Million." In September 2015, an official perfume called Aaliyah by Xyrena was announced. In December 2015, Timbaland released a mixtape with an unreleased Aaliyah song called "Shakin."

In June 2018, MAC Cosmetics released a makeup collection inspired by Aaliyah, which sold out very quickly. In August 2019, the Madame Tussauds museum in Las Vegas revealed a wax figure of Aaliyah. Her family also announced they were talking with record companies about releasing more of her music.

In March 2021, Funko Pop! released an Aaliyah figurine. In August 2021, Blackground Records announced that Aaliyah's music would be available on streaming services. Her album One in a Million was reissued on August 20, and it re-entered the top charts. Her album Aaliyah was reissued on September 10, 2021, and also charted again.

On August 25, 2021, Barry Hankerson said that a new album called Unstoppable would be released soon. It was planned to feature artists like Drake, Snoop Dogg, and The Weeknd, using Aaliyah's unreleased vocals. In December 2021, the song "Poison" featuring The Weeknd was released. However, the Unstoppable album has not been released yet.

Aaliyah's Legacy and Influence

Aaliyah is remembered for helping to change R&B, pop, and hip hop music in the 1990s. Her album One in a Million became one of the most important R&B albums of that time. Many people believe Aaliyah would have achieved even greater success if she had not passed away.

In August 2021, a biography about Aaliyah called Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah was published. In August 2022, Beyoncé mentioned Aaliyah in her song "The Queens Remix" of "Break My Soul". In June 2023, a documentary called Superstar: Aaliyah was shown on ABC, discussing her life, career, and lasting impact.

Aaliyah's Achievements

Aaliyah sold millions of albums in the United States and around the world. She earned many nicknames, including "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop." She was seen as an important pop and R&B icon.

At the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, artists like Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, and Timbaland paid tribute to Aaliyah. In 2001, the name Aaliyah became one of the most popular names for baby girls in the United States. In 2003, the Entertainment Industry Foundation created the Aaliyah Memorial Fund to support charities she cared about.

Billboard magazine ranked Aaliyah among the top artists of the decade and one of the most successful female R&B artists. In 2012, VH1 ranked her among the "Greatest Women in Music." In 2020, Billboard included her on its list of the 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time. In September 2023, she was added to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

Aaliyah's Music Albums

Studio Albums

• Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994)
• One in a Million (1996)
• Aaliyah (2001)

Compilation Albums

• I Care 4 U (2002)
• Ultimate Aaliyah (2005)

Aaliyah's Film and TV Roles

See Also

In Spanish: Aaliyah para niños

• List of artists who reached number one in the United States
• List of awards and nominations received by Aaliyah
• List of fatalities from aviation accidents