Aaliyah full Profile

Name: Aaliyah
Birth Name: Aaliyah Dana Haughton
Height: 5' 7"
Sex: F
Nationality: American
Date of Birth: January 16, 1979
Place of Birth: Huntington, New York, USA
Occupation: musician, actress
Place of Death: Marsh Harbour, Abaco Island, Bahamas
Date of Death: August 25, 2001
Cause of Death: Plane crash
Profession: musician, actress
Education: Detroit High School of the Performing Arts (graduated with a 4.0 GPA)
Place of Death: August 25, 2001
Death Date: Marsh Harbour, Abaco Island, Bahamas
Death Cause: Plane crash
Husband/Wife: R. Kelly (musician; married in 1994; that marriage was annulled due to Aaliyah's status as a minor, 15 years old and Kelly was mid 20s)
Relationship: Damon Dash (record executive; born on May 3, 1971)
Father: Michael Haughton
Mother: Diane Haughton
Brother: Rashad Haughton (filmmaker; born August 6, 1977)
Uncle: Barry Hankerson (manager, record executive; divorced)
Aunt: Gladys Knight
Claim to fame: Album: Age Ain't Nothing But A Number (1994)




*Aaliyah Movies


Romeo Must Die (2000)

American hip-hop culture collides with kung-fu action movies in this electric film from Andrzej Bartkowiak. When a Chinese businessman is recruited to establish a truce between two gangs (one Chinese, one American), he falls in love with the daughter of the American mob's leader (played by singing sensation Aaliyah). Hong Kong superstar Jet Li follows his supporting role in LETHAL WEAPON 4 with a starmaking turn as the revenge-seeking cop in this modern reworking of Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET.


Queen of the Damned (2002)

This adaptation of Anne Rice’s best-selling novel follows the legendary vampire Lestat (Stuart Townsend), who has reinvented himself as a rock star in the contemporary American music scene. His music wakes Akasha (Aaliyah), the queen of all vampires, and inspires her desire to make Lestat her king. Akasha’s malevolent power is so great that all the immortal vampires must stand against her if they want to survive. Meanwhile, a young London woman with a fascination for the dark side (Marguerite Moreau) falls in love with Lestat.

*Award & Quotation

Quotation

* It is dark in my favorite dream. Someone is following me. I don't know why. I'm scared. Then suddenly I lift off, far away. How do I feel? As if I am swimming in the air, free, weightless. Nobody can reach me. Nobody can touch me. It's a wonderful feeling." (in an interview in July 2001 with Germany's "Die Zeit" newspaper that eerily predicts Aaliyah's death)
* It's hard to say what I want my legacy to be when I'm long gone."
* Her advice for aspiring artists: "Keep working hard and you can get anything that you want. If God gave you the talent, you should go for it. But don't think it's going to be easy. It's hard!
* Everything is worth it. The hard work, the times when you're tired, the times where you're a bit sad... In the end, it's all worth it because it really makes me happy. There's nothing better than loving what you do.
* If you put your mind to it you can be anything.
* The one I gave my heart to is my favorite song.
* Always be true to yourself.


Award

* American Music Awards: Favorite Female Soul Artist (2002)
* American Music Awards: Best Soul Album (2002)
* MTV Video Music Awards: Best Female Video, Try Again (2000)
* MTV Video Music Awards: Best Video from a Film, Try Again (2000)
* Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards: Best R&B/Soul Single, Rock The Boat (2002)
* Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards: Best Solo award, Rock The Boat (2002)
* Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards: R&B/Soul or Rap Song of the Year, Rock The Boat (2002)

Aaliyah QUOTES / QUOTATIONS

All I can do is leave it in God's hands and hope that my fans feel where I'm coming from.


At first, I was a little nervous with snakes, but once I started to handle them, I totally fell in love and felt an affinity toward them. They're very mysterious creatures. They live in solitude.


Because I came out as a singer, I took the time to get an acting coach.


Being around cameras on the set and getting comfortable with that environment can prepare you for something like a film.


Being in Australia, filming Queen of the Damned, was really cool, because I really got to take a break from the industry and be totally creative.


I began to work the stage and get the audience into it. I also learned how to have fun out there. It is something I will never forget.


I don't feel I made any sacrifices at all. I'm doing my best to juggle.


I don't think about my previous success. I'm happy that the work I've done has been very successful.


I don't want to abandon one work for the other, and I don't think I need to sacrifice anything to put my all into either one of them.


I feel snakes are very complex creatures, but at the same time, they're sexy, too. They're dangerous, but quite beautiful.


I first dealt with snakes when I was in Australia and I did the photo shoot for the album. We used five pythons.


I have the time needed to support the album and tour.


I just let it work itself out, let it flow.


I know that people think I'm sexy and I am looked at as that. It is cool with me. It's wonderful to have sexy appeal. If you embrace it, it can be a very beautiful thing.


I see myself as sexy. If you are comfortable with it, it can be very classy and appealing.


I stay true to myself and my style, and I am always pushing myself to be aware of that and be original.


I think it's important to take a break, you know, from the public eye for a while, and give people a chance to miss you. I want longevity. I don't want to get out there and run myself ragged and spread myself thin.


I took acting when I was young. I did a lot of plays. I sang. I had dance classes. I was trained in each thing.


I took the time out to give my all.


I want people to remember me as a full on entertainer and a good person.


I wanted to take a break after One in a Million to just relax, think about how I wanted to approach the next album.


I'm a total performer.


I'm involved in some action scenes, so they'll train me for that. I'll be working with my acting coach to prepare for my character.


I'm the interpreter. I'm the one who takes your words and brings them to life. I was trained to sing and dance and laugh, and that's what I want to do.


If I don't think about it, it won't drive me crazy.


If you want to go to the mall, you have to take security. But it's always cool. The kids are amazing.


In film, you are a totally different person than in the video.


In this business, it is very hard to have anything for yourself, because you become a public figure. That comes with the territory.


It was always part of the plan to move into acting.


It's hard to say what I want my legacy to be when I'm long gone.


It's really a sad story, and I liked that. The songs on this album talk about relationships in every aspect.


Keep working hard and you can get anything that you want.


Keep working hard and you can get anything that you want. If God gave you the talent, you should go for it. But don't think it's going to be easy. It's hard!


Music is for everyone to interpret in their own way. You may hear a song and feel one way about it, and I feel another.


My character's name is Zee. She's a funky girl very much in love with her boyfriend. It is cool to be a part of such an amazing film. It's like the Star Wars of our time.


My favorite song is I Care 4 U. I listened to it right when I finished One in a Million. It's a timeless, classic song.


Romeo Must Die came at the right time. It was the right vehicle for me.


Romeo Must Die happened, so I had to do that film and then do the soundtrack, then promote it.


Some songs call for a little more power, and I am able to go there, but my signature style is very laid-back and relaxed.


The Matrix is top secret. There isn't much that can be said right now.


There are certain things I want to keep to me. I don't discuss my private life.


There are relationships where a guy already has a girlfriend and he's got one on the side, too.


There are times I can't even figure myself out.


There are times in my life when I just want to be by myself.
Quotation of Aaliyah

There is a bit of acting involved when you get in front of a camera for a video. Even when you perform onstage, you're putting on a show.


There's a sweetness to it. My singing style is very soft, my signature is falsetto, with a breathy tone.


Well, I think that the image is a part of me. I wear the baggy pants, the hats, the whole nine. And you know, I may add a little for the excitement and the intrigue in the videos, but my family has told me that little air of mystery that surrounds me is for real.


When I did Queen of the Damned, I decided to record the album at the same time so that I could release it this year.


When I felt ready, I went out for Romeo Must Die. I am constantly honing my craft.


You have to love what you do to want to do it everyday.


Your life belongs to the public, and there are certain things you can't do anymore.

AALIYAH GOSSIP, NEWS, & TRIVIA

* ROMEO MUST DIE (2000): When Trish dumps her bodyguard at the record store and hides in the cab, the bodyguard comes out and yells, Trish! I'm gonna find your Aaliyah-lookin' ass! The character Trish is played by Aaliyah. At the time of her death, she and her boyfriend, Roc-A-Fella co-CEO Damon Dash, had plans to wed.
* Her third and final album has been called her best work. Rolling Stone gave it four stars.
* Was a great singer and deemed a role model.
* Majored in dance.
* Starred as Queen Akasha in 2002's THE QUEEN OF THE DAMNED.
* Modeled for Tommy Hilfiger clothing.
* Sang with Gladys Knight on stage at age 11.
* Was Homecoming and Prom Queen in her senior year.
* Wanted to perform a musical duet with Janet Jackson.
* Her first soundtrack song was from the movie ANASTASIA.
* Her middle name is Dana, not Dani.
* Was only 15 when she released Age Ain't Nothing But A Number.
* Her biggest single was Try Again.
* Was good at acting.
* Her self titled album hit #1 in the USA after her death.
* Her third album, Aaliyah, is dedicated to the memory of her grandmother, Mintis L. Hicks Hankerson.
* The tattoo on her lower back is a dove representing her deceased grandmother.
* Her career started at age 15.
* R&B singer R.Kelly discovered her at age 12.
* Completed filming of Anne Rice's QUEEN OF THE DAMNED.
* Her real name is Aeliyatt.
* Her favorite stuffed animal was named Lina because it was the one her grandmother gave to her. She took it everywhere.
* At age 9 sang My Funny Valentine on Star Search, in dedication to her mom Diane.
* Her first kiss was a disaster because she threw up in the guy's mouth!
* Her favorite color was pink.
* Drove a red viper.
* Wore size 6 shoes.
* Was very close to her grandmother.
* Played in a school production of ANNIE.
* Would sing in the bathroom with a brush.
* Favorite breakfast: French toast, waffles and pancakes.
* Favorite films: SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE.
* Has a pet boa, her cousin bought it and her mom kept it.
* Her grandmother died of breast cancer.
* Had the double platinum selling One In A Million album as well as a production credit on the five times platinum ROMEO MUST DIE soundtrack, and has the #1 album in the U.S in 2001.
* Her best friend was Kidada Jones.
* Was the youngest child.
* Has weave in her hair.
* Favorite Athlete team: Giants.
* Favorite color: Black, Red, and White.
* Nicknamed Li Li, Baby Girl, Liyah.
* Started noticing she could sing at age 6.
* Favorite basketball team: Chicago Bulls
* Favorite jewelry: silver
* Favorite singer: Sade
* Was 25% Indian; her grandmother was full blood Indian.
* Although she was an adult she still relied on the approval and opinion of her mother Diane and brother Rashad.
* Her mom was also her friend.
* Her favorite song on the Aaliyah CD was I Care For You.
* Favorite junk food: Doritos
* Favorite author: Stephen King
* Favorite drinks: Surge and Pepsi
* Favorite animals: horses
* A few days before her death she told her mother she was having frequent dreams about flying in a dark place all alone, and crashing down to her death.
* Nominated for Best Villain at MTV Movie Award for QUEEN OF THE DAMNED (2002)
* Nominated for Best Female Performance at MTV Movie Award for ROMEO MUST DIE (2000)
* Nominated for Breakthrough Female Performance at MTV Movie Award for ROMEO MUST DIE (2000)
* Loved vanilla ice cream.
* Her dress size was 4.
* Was addicted to kozmo.com
* Only wore clothes that she knew her mom would like; she never wore shorts cause her mom didn’t like her to expose her body.
* Had a major thing for sweets.
* Had two Vipers, a black and a red one.
* Liked to collect sunglasses and stuffed animals, and also has a black out light in her apartment.
* Had 2 pets, one snake named Boots and a pet pug named Tour.
* Her grandmother gave her a toy orangutan.
* Wore contacts instead of glasses.
* Her birthday is a day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s
* Loved horror films.
* Her favorite track on her last album was the unreleased track.
* At an autograph signing in Texas, a fan fainted when Aaliyah kissed him on the cheek.
* Favorite place to eat: Roscos Chicken and Waffles.
* Had a pillow named Wilson.
* Had a personal trainer to keep in shape and gave up cheese and pork.
* Thinks martial arts and men who can fight are sexy.
* Said she loved her career and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
* What made her happy was knowing her fans went out and bought her albums.
* Favorite girl group: En Vogue
* Was a David Hasselhoff fan; one of her favorite shows as a child was KNIGHT RIDER which starred Hasselhoff.
* Loved beautiful but simple things.
* Wants her legacy to live on.
* PREVIOUS AALIYAH TRIVIA

Aaliyah's Pictures & Photos

Aaliyah stands for "The highest, most exalted one, the best" and that is what she has been through her short-lived music career. Aaliyah lived up to her parents' expectations as well as her name and at 22, she had a successful recording career while also having established herself in motion pictures and as a business woman.

Aaliyah found her soul in music at an early age and by 11, she was performing at a five-night stint performance with Gladys Knight in Las Vegas. Aaliyah was born on 16 January 1979 in Brooklyn, New York but raised in Detroit. At the age of 14 in 1994, she released her first album Age Ain't Nothing But A Number and it was a success. The first single from the album Back And Forth reigned supreme in the Top 5 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and also became the No.1 R&B song. She followed it up with a remake of the Isley Brother's At Your Best (You Are Love), which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

She was fast becoming a teen idol and her trademark baggy pants with oversized shirts became a sensation. 1996 saw her second record, which was One In A Million and the first single If Your Girl Only Knew went double platinum. The album had syncopated beats by Timbaland and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot's lyrics. The other people involved in making this album included Jermaine Dupri, J. Dibbs, Rodney Jerkins, Daryl Simmons, Vincent "V.H." Herbert, Craig King, and Kay-Gee. Aaliyah took the album live to Europe, Japan, and South Africa through her tours.

In 1998, Aaliyah produced another super hit with Are You That Somebody from Dr. Doolittle soundtrack. It was produced by Timbaland, and was extremely infectious especially because of the sound of a crying baby. The same year Aaliyah performed "Journey To The Past" for the motion picture Anastasia and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song. Aaliyah also performed the song on stage in the Academy Awards Show that year.

Deviating from music, she stepped into the world of motion pictures with Romeo Must Die with Jet Li as her main co-star. The movie's soundtrack was a huge hit and went on to sell millions of copies. The next film on the line was the Queen of the Damned opposite Stuart Townsend, Vincent Perez, and Lena Olin and directed by Michael Rymer. She played the title role of Akasha, based on Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.

Aaliyah released a self-titled studio album in July 2001, which reflected her true potential and marked her growth as an entertained and as an individual. It debuted at number 2 on the US charts and sold over 2.4 million albums worldwide. Some of the smash singles include We Need a Resolution, More Than A Woman and Rock The Boat. At the same time, she performed in movies like Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions, Honey, and Sparkle, which is a true story based on interracial love. But on 25 August 2001, her sparkling career came to an end with a plane crash at Marsh Harbor, Abaco Island in the Bahamas and the music industry lost an exceptionally talented, and successful singer.

Aaliyah Makes Long Trip Worthwhile

Aaliyah took home two statues at the MTV Video Music Awards tonight. Prior to the broadcast, "Try Again" -- from the film Romeo Must Die -- won the honor of best video from a film, and the song later won her the coveted best female video award.

Aaliyah beat out newcomer Macy Gray (who took the award for best new artist) as well as multiple nominees Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Toni Braxton.

Aaliyah told the audience how important it was for her to be at the ceremony. "This is a shock. This is a big shock. I just started filming Anne Rice's Queen Of The Damned in Australia and my brother and I flew 22 hours to be here just in appreciation of the nomination. So, thank you so much."

She dedicated the award to her grandfather and the memory of her grandmother.

Aaliyah A Virgin?

Singer, actress, and Tommy Hilfiger model Aaliyah is reportedly moving to Virgin Records with Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records, which recently closed a deal with Virgin that includes a roster of new artists. Hankerson is both Aaliyah's uncle and her manager.

Aaliyah reportedly signed with Virgin after being impressed by the label's handling of the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, which features four new Aaliyah tracks, including her new hit "Try Again"; she also stars in that film opposite martial artist Jet Li and Delroy Lindo.

Virgin insists that Aaliyah is all theirs, but Atlantic Records claims the singer technically still owes them music: "They kind of eased out the back door," says one Atlantic source. Hankerson and Atlantic butted heads during their business relationship, and if he has his way Aaliyah will walk away from her former label without delivering a note. Furthermore, Atlantic has attempted to sign artists signed to Blackground, which is a violation of a standard "no raid clause." While there is some sadness at Atlantic because of Aaliyah's decision to go, no tears are being shed over the departure of Hankerson and Blackground. One Atlantic executive said he felt sorry for Hankerson's future labelmates at Virgin, who will now have to deal with him.

One in a Million:Aaliyah

Aaliyah's second album doesn't necessarily prove that she is indeed One in a Million, but it does showcase more depth and talent than her acclaimed debut. That's not only due to the greater variety of material on One in a Million, or to the way that her producers (Vincent Herbert, Jermaine Dupri, and many others) immaculately produce each track, but it is also due to the fact that Aaliyah's singing is smoother, more seductive, and stronger than before. It might not be the commercial juggernaut of Age Ain't Nothin' but a Number, but One in a Million is a more consistently satisfying album. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide