African-American Singers
Childhood
Although raised in Detroit, Aaliyah Dana Haughton was from Brooklyn, New York, the younger of two children born to Michael and Diane Haughton on January 6, 1979. Her name, Aaliyah, translates from the Arabic to the highest most exalted one, the best. Both she and her brother Raschad, shared a special bond throughout their childhood years. Both children were attracted to the Arts. Even as a small child, Aaliyah loved performing in school plays.
The family was close and caring, and Aaliyah's mother, who was a gifted vocalist, encouraged her daughter's talent and love for the stage. Aaliyah chose her mother's favorite song, My Funny Valentinewhen, at the tender age of ten, she auditioned for a Star Search talent competition. Although Aaliyah did not win, this marked her entry into the world of auditions, agents and television shows, including "Family Matters". Aaliyah performed in Las Vegas with her famous aunt by marriage, silver-throated soul singer, Gladys Knight.
A Teen Prodigy
Aaliyah attended the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts. Here she explored her love of dance, graduating with a 4.0 average. She signed with Blackground Recordsin 1993, releasing her debut album, "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," in 1994, at the age of 15. Within months, the album went platinum. Aaliyah's next album, released in 1996, "One In a Million", earned her accolades as a performing artist, reaching double platinum status within a year.
Modeling, Acting and Tragic Death
Aaliyah got her first endorsement deal from Tommy Hilfiger who signed her "sweet but street" image onto print campaigns and runway shows. In addition to her video and musical success, she also co-starred in the martial arts film, "Romeo Must Die." In 2001, she traveled to Australia to co-star with Stuart Townsend in the film, "The Queen of The Damned, an adaptation of an Ann Rice novel.
On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah and seven friends boarded a twin engine Cessna, which crashed shortly after take-off. Reports indicate that the pilot, Luis Morales III, lacked the piloting skill necessary to safely operate the aircraft. Additionally, an autopsy performed on the pilot indicated cocaine and alcohol in his bloodstream.
It was an end too soon and a cruel and terrible loss to the friends, fans and family of a talented young woman who seemed to have the world by the tail.
