Brief Biography of Aaliyah

By Elma B.

By the age of 15, Aaliyah had already become a music sensation: she was young, beautiful and talented. She was the niece of the R&B sensation Gladys Knight. 

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (known as "Aaliyah") began to train in music and theater shortly after she learned how to talk. At the age of 12, she signed a contract with Jive Records.  In 1994, R. Kelly produced Aaliyah's debut album "Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number," which quickly sold million copies and earned platinum status. Shortly after, it surfaced in the press that the 15 year old Aaliyah wed the 27 year old R. Kelly; Aaliyah denied the rumors and the marriage was reportedly annulled.  

Subsequently, Aaliyah worked with Missy Elliot and Timbaland; the two had put an elctro-twist on the R&B music and produced "One in a Million" album that sold over 8 million records worldwide. She starred in the movie Rome Must Die alongside Jet Li in 2000 and in Queen of the Dammed in 2001.  On August 2001 at the age of 22, she tragically died in a plane crash when she was on her way home from shooting the music video "Rock the Boat." 

Aaliyah's fashion sense did not go unnoticed with her signature look of baggy pants, tube-tops, sunglasses and black ensembles. Her hairstyle, inspired by Veronica Lake, covered her left eye. Starting in 1998, she began working with a personal trainer and exercising five times a week; she was on a healthy diet. She wanted her image to communicate sincerity and laudable moral values. 

Aaliyah is listed by Billboard as the 27th most successful artist in R&B history and earned the nickname "Princess of R&B." Her legacy endures. Below are some captured moments of one of R&Bs fallen angels. 

.

Aaliyah with Lil' Kim

Aaliyah and Justin Timberlake 

Aaliyah and Missy Elliott 

Aaliyah and Halley Berry

Aaliyah with Ombre Hairstyle

Aaliyah with Jay-Z