Aaliyah Success Story

Aaliyah died in a plane crash on 25^th August 2001.

Childhood

Aaliyah Haughton was born on 16^th January 1979 in Brooklyn, New York to Diane and Michael Haughton. She grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Aaliyah started taking voice lessons from a very young age. She went to Gesu Elementary School. Aaliyah acted in the school play, Annie when she was in Grade One. She did her graduation in Fine and Performing Arts from Detroit High School.

Early Career

Aaliyah made her first television appearance in 'Star Search' at the age of 10. She took part in concerts alongside Gladys Knight. Two years later, she entered into an agreement with Jive Records and Blackground Records. Aaliyah was mentored by R Kelly. He produced her debut album and was her chief songwriter. Her first album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number reached 'number 18' on the Billboard 200 chart. It was accredited 'Platinum' twice by RIAA and sold three million copies in the United States. It was critically acclaimed.

Aaliyah's success in the world of music was meteoric. Her debute single, "Back & Forth" held the top position on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Her second single, "At Your Best (You Are Love)" reached the 'number six' position on the Billboard Hot 100. Both her singles were conferred 'Gold' by RIAA.

Heights

Aaliyah signed a contract with Atlantic Records in 1996. Her single, "If Your Girl Only Knew" from her second album, 'One in a Million' capped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and was ranked 'number 18' on the Billboard 200. The album was accredited 'double platinum' by the RIAA.

Aaliyah embarked on her acting career in 1997 with a role in the television series, New York Undercover. She bagged her first role in the film, “Romeo Must Die” in 1999. Aaliyah was the executive producer of the film's soundtrack. She was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocalist at the Grammy Awards.

She participated in the Children's Benefit Concert. Aaliyah was the chief speaker for Tommy Hilfiger Corporation. Aaliyah was the youngest singer to perform the song, "Journey to the Past" at the Academy Awards 1998. She was shortlisted for Grammy Award for the song, "Are You That Somebody?" in the film Dr Dolittle. The song ranked 'number 21' on the Hot 100.

Aaliyah's self-styled album, Aaliyah reached the 'number two' position on the Billboard 200 in the first week of its launch in 2001. Following her death, her studio album, Aaliyah made it to the 'number one' on the Billboard 200. “Roak the Boat” was a posthumous release and its music video became the most viewed and highest rated episode in the show's history. The song capped at 'number 14' on the Billboard Hot 100 and 'number two' on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It found a mention on the compilation series, “ Now That's What I Call Music! 8. She won two posthumous awards; “Favorite Female R&B Artist” and “Favorite R&B/Soul Album” for Aaliyah at the American Music Awards of 2002.

Aaliyah's posthumous album, "More than a Woman" and "I Care 4 U" was endorsed a double 'Platinum' by the RIAA. The solo number, "More than a Woman" topped the UK singles Chart, making Aaliyaah the first deceased artist to figure at 'number one'.

Aaliyah's second film, 'Queen of the Damned', released after her death was a box-office hit. A year after her death, a collection of her songs were released and its proceeds were given in charity to the Aaliyah Memorial Fund.

Personal Life

Aaliyah was a home-person. Her family played a pivotal role in her career and success.There were rumours of a love relationship between her and R Kelly. Aaliyah was involved with Damon Dash of Roc-A-Fella Records at the time of her death.

Aaliyah had the vocal range of a soprano. She was influenced by artists; Barbra Streisand, Sade, En Vogue and Michael Jackson. Her favourite album was Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. She was conscious of her public image. Aaliyah was viewed by some as a role model, while some saw her as a sex symbol.

Aaliyah died in a plane crash. Her funeral service was held at the St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan.

Recognition

Alaiyah 's first album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number reached 'number 18' on the Billboard 200 chart. It was accredited 'Platinum' twice by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Aaliyah's single, “Try Again” for the film, 'Romeo Must Die' topped the Billboard Hot 100. She was the first artist in the history of Billboard to attain this position. Aaliyah was nominated for the Grammy Award in the category 'Best Female R&B Vocalist' for “Try Again”. She was shortlisted for Grammy Award for the song, "Are You That Somebody?" in the film Dr Dolittle. Aaliyah re-defined contemporary R&B, hip hop and pop. She was popularly known as "Queen of Urban Pop" and "Princess of R&B". Aaliyah was ranked the '10^th Most successful female R&B artist of the past 25 years and 27^th most successful R&B artist in history' by Billboard.

Aaliyah's posthumous album, "More than a Woman" and "I Care 4 U" was endorsed a double 'Platinum' by the RIAA. The solo number, "More than a Woman" topped the UK singles Chart, making Aaliyaah the first deceased artist to figure at 'number one' on the UK Singles chart.

Aaliyah On Romeo Must Die Junket Interview