Aaliyah Danih Haughton Research Paper

Aaliyah Dani Haughton was born on January 16,1979, in Brooklyn, New York. The

name Aaliyah means “highest, most exalted one”. Some might think that naming your child

such a name was very strong, but for her parents Michael and Diane Haughton knew from the

start that their baby daughter had the makings of a real star.

At an early age her talents had been noticeable, when Aaliyah was five years old, the

Haughton family left Brooklyn behind and moved to a new home in Detroit. Impressed by her

incredible musical talent, decided to enroll her in vocal classes. When she wasn’t learning sing-

ing in the classroom, Aaliyah was singing up a storm wherever possible, including church plays

and the church choir.

Around
the age of nine she started going on the move, auditioning for television produc-

tions and record companies.
She also appeared on the national television talent show, Star

Search. Unfortunately, Aaliyah didn’t win first place, but she gained much experience working

in front of an larger audience.

Things started to get even better, by the age of fourteen, Aaliyah signed her first record

contract with Blackground Enterprises in 1994. She was the first act to sign with Blackground

label. Her first album, titled “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number” was most produced by the

R&B singer R. Kelly (who she was rumored to have married at only 15 years of age, but both

parties later denied the allegations), was released in 1994 and went double platinum.

In support of her first album Aaliyah has been touring different places and concert ap-

pearances all over the world. For her second album, Aaliyah decided to work with a with multi-

ple producers and songwriters in putting her album, “One in a Million”, together. Her main col-

laborator on the album was “Timbaland”, one of the hottest producers in hip-hop music.

With this second album, Aaliyah would score her first number one single “If Your Girl

Only Knew” and she established herself as a multi-platinum artist. In 1997 Aaliyah
graduated

from Detroit High School for Fine and Performing Arts but postponed college because her ca-

reer was occupying almost all of her time.

In 2000, Aaliyah made her acting debut in the movie “Romeo Must Die” her first major

acting job, co-starring Jackie Chan. Her single for the movie, “Try Again”, became her first

number one hit on the pop charts. She also made a leading role as Queen Akasha, “the original

vampire” in the movie “Queen of the Dammed” which was released in 2001.

Aaliyah also released the album “I Care 4 U” in 1998 and “Aaliyah” in 2001. Aaliyah

performed songs for the soundtracks of several motion pictures, including Anastasia which she

had an Oscar nomination and Dr. Dolittle earning her an Grammy nomination, and was featured

on tracks for albums of fellow performers NAS, Miss “Misdemeanor” Elliot, and Ginuwine.

Aaliyah has won many awards during her career for example, MTV video Music

Award, Best Female Video for “Try Again” in 2001 at the American Music Awards, favorite

soul/R&B female artist, favorite soul/R&B album for “Aaliyah” in 2001, favorite soul/R&B

female artist Source Award, and female R&B artist of the year in 2003.

In 2001, Aaliyah was in the Bahamas shooting a music video for her single “Rock the

Boat”, off her third album. After completion, Aaliyah and eight others boarded a small plane to

travel back to the United States. Not long after takeoff, the plane crashed, and Aaliyah died

instantly. There were no survivors. Bahamian authorities said that the cause of the crash was

because the plane was overloaded with sound and video equipment. An autopsy done on the

pilot revealed that he had minute traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system.

A glass paneled carriage towed by a pair of tan horses brought Aaliyah’s silver coffin

from the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Dozens of white and pink roses lay on the top of the carriage. More than 1,000 fans gathered outside also celeb-

erties like Usher, P- Diddy, Ginuwine, Jay-Z, Lil Kim, Tank, Monica, Gladys Knight, Mike

Tyson, Missy Elliot and others came to show their last respects to the Aaliyah. Diane Haugh

ton, (Aaliyah’s mother) tearfully stood by Aaliyah’s casket and released 22 white doves into the

sky, the number 22 which represented each year of Aaliyah’s short life.

So many people friends, fans, and family came together on that day to say goodbye and

this just shows how much people really loved her. Many fans made posters, banners, clothes,

and other different things to show appreciation to their favorite singer, fans stood for hours

at the funeral home as early as 6:30 with candles and flowers to honor Aaliyah. Also Aaliyah

was a very positive role model to all her fans and her life affected them in a good way.

Some of the Brooklyn residents turned their volume up on their boom box as “I Need a

Resolution” and other songs of her blasted through the speakers. Fans again made an all-day

public memorial service. They left flowers, teddy bears and cards they also prayed and remin-

isced by watching some highlight’s of Aaliyah’s career on two giant screens.

My opinion on Aaliyah is that she was an woman in history because she accomplished

so much in her life and career before she passed away. She was an very respective role model

to all of her fans and her life affected them in a positive way and also perceived others to see

things in a different way. A lot of people loved her music (including myself), and admired ever-

ything about her if it was her sweet personality or performance on stage. That just shows how

much people loved her for what she does as a singer/actor.