Aaliyah Dana Haughton, a talented and beautiful R&B singer-turned-actress, was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Diane and Michael Haughton. Her uncle, Barry Hankerson, was a music manager, and her brother, Rashad Haughton, was a director. Aaliyah was raised in Detroit and began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age.
She made her television debut on the syndicated show "Star Search" in 1983, where she impressed the audience with her voice and talent. At the age of 11, she sang with Gladys Knight in a five-night stint in Las Vegas. Aaliyah then took a break from the spotlight and attended Detroit's Performing Arts High School, where she majored in dance.
During her senior year, Aaliyah met singer and composer R. Kelly, who assisted her with the production of her debut album "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number". The album was a major success, and Aaliyah's marriage to R. Kelly was annulled due to her age.
In 1996, Aaliyah released her second album "One in a Million", which featured the songwriting talents of Missy Elliott and Timbaland. The album was a huge success and cemented Aaliyah's status as a rising star.
Aaliyah's film career began with a role in the 2000 film "Romeo Must Die", which was a hit at the box office. She then went on to star in the film "Queen of the Damned" and its two sequels.
