Aaliyah Biography: Age, Husband, Songs, Net Worth, Cause of Death, Children, Albums, Height, Parents

Biography

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001) was a celebrated American singer, actress, and model, often dubbed the “Princess of R&B.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she rose to fame in the 1990s with her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (1994), produced by R. Kelly, featuring hits like “Back & Forth.”

Her sophomore album, One in a Million (1996), produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, solidified her as a trailblazer in blending R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds with hits like “If Your Girl Only Knew.”

Known for her smooth vocals, innovative style, and charismatic presence, Aaliyah also starred in films like Romeo Must Die (2000) and was set to appear in The Matrix sequels.

Tragically, she died at 22 in a plane crash in the Bahamas, leaving a lasting legacy in music and pop culture. Her influence endures through artists inspired by her sound and aesthetic.

American singer and actress
Aaliyah
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Aaliyah Dana Haughton
Stage Name:	Aaliyah
Born:	16 January 1979 (age 22 years old)
Place of Birth:	Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died:	25 August 2001 (age 22 years), Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas
Nationality:	American
Education:	Gesu Elementary School, Detroit’s High School for the Fine and Performing Arts
Height:	1.71 m
Parents:	Diane Haughton, Michael Haughton
Siblings:	Rashad Haughton
Spouse:	R. Kelly (m. 1994–1995)
Boyfriend • Partner:	Damon Dash (2000), Jay-Z (rum.), Ginuwine (rum.)
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Musician • Actress
Net Worth:	$8 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. She was African American and raised in a Christian household.

Aaliyah was born to Diane Haughton, a vocalist, and Michael Haughton, who worked in the music industry, influencing her early exposure to music.

She had an older brother, Rashad Haughton, who was close to her and later contributed to her music career, including writing and appearing in her projects.

Aaliyah grew up in Detroit, Michigan, after her family relocated from Brooklyn when she was young. She showed an early aptitude for performing, singing in school plays and at local events.

At age 11, she performed with Gladys Knight, her uncle Barry Hankerson’s then-wife, in Las Vegas, gaining early stage experience.

Aaliyah attended Gesu Elementary School in Detroit, where she performed in a school production of Annie, which further fueled her passion for entertainment. She later enrolled at Detroit’s High School for the Fine and Performing Arts, graduating in 1997 with a 4.0 GPA, balancing her burgeoning music career with her studies.

Her uncle, Barry Hankerson, who managed her career and owned Blackground Records, played a significant role in her early entry into the music industry, securing her a record deal at age 12.

Career

Aaliyah Dana Haughton’s career was a groundbreaking fusion of music, film, and fashion, making her one of the most influential figures in 1990s R&B and pop culture.

Signed to her uncle Barry Hankerson’s Blackground Records at just 12, she released her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number in 1994, produced by R. Kelly.

The record, which went double platinum, introduced hits like “Back & Forth” and “At Your Best (You Are Love),” showcasing her silky vocals and undeniable star power—though her professional and personal ties to R. Kelly sparked controversy early on.

Her second album, One in a Million (1996), marked a creative breakthrough. Collaborating with rising talents Timbaland and Missy Elliott, Aaliyah helped pioneer a futuristic R&B sound that fused electronic beats with smooth, melodic elements.

The album, certified double platinum, delivered timeless tracks such as “If Your Girl Only Knew,” “One in a Million,” and “4 Page Letter,” solidifying her as a trendsetter and innovator in the genre.

Aaliyah soon transitioned into film, starring opposite Jet Li in Romeo Must Die (2000), where her soundtrack contribution “Try Again” made history as the first song to top the Billboard Hot 100 based solely on airplay, earning a Grammy nomination.

She later starred in Queen of the Damned (2002, released after her death) and had been cast in The Matrix sequels, underscoring her rising status in Hollywood. Her self-titled third album, Aaliyah (2001), reflected a more mature artistry with standout tracks like “We Need a Resolution” and “More Than a Woman,” debuting at number two on the Billboard 200.

Beyond music and acting, Aaliyah was also a style icon. She fronted campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and brought an effortlessly cool, androgynous fashion sense that shaped trends of the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Though her life was tragically cut short at age 22, Aaliyah’s influence remains enduring. Her innovative sound, iconic style, and magnetic presence continue to inspire artists such as Beyoncé, Drake, and The Weeknd, ensuring her legacy as a timeless force in music and culture.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Aaliyah
• Instagram: Aaliyah Haughton (@aaliyah)
• YouTube: Aaliyah
• IMDb: Aaliyah

Personal Life

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was 22 years old at the time of her death on August 25, 2001.

She had one marriage, to singer R. Kelly in 1994 when she was 15 years old; the union was illegal due to her age and was annulled by her parents in February 1995, with both parties later denying it occurred.

Aaliyah had no children. Her height was reported as 5 feet 7 inches (1.71 meters).

Aaliyah was romantically linked to R. Kelly during their professional collaboration in the mid-1990s, though she described it as a close friendship rather than romance after the marriage rumours surfaced. She later dated music executive Damon Dash, starting in the summer of 2000, with the pair growing close and discussing marriage plans despite their demanding schedules; Dash publicly mourned her loss and spoke of their deep connection after her death.

Rumours also connected her to Jay-Z and Ginuwine, but Aaliyah denied both, maintaining they were friendships—Jay-Z later paid tribute to her in a remix of her song “Miss You.”

Cause of Death

Aaliyah‘s cause of death was a tragic plane crash in the Bahamas on August 25, 2001, shortly after takeoff from filming the “Rock the Boat” music video; the small Cessna 402B aircraft was overloaded by about 700 pounds, carried one extra passenger beyond capacity, and the pilot was unlicensed, had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system, and was not authorized to fly the plane, leading to the crash that killed all nine people on board.

Net Worth

Aaliyah Dana Haughton‘s net worth at the time of her death in 2001 was estimated to be around $8 million.

This wealth was accumulated through her successful music career, including three hit albums—Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (1994), One in a Million (1996), and Aaliyah (2001)—as well as her acting roles in films like Romeo Must Die and Queen of the Damned.

Additional income came from modeling, endorsements with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, and her contributions to soundtracks, notably the chart-topping single “Try Again.”

Her estate’s value has likely grown posthumously due to ongoing music sales, streaming royalties, and her enduring influence in R&B and pop culture.

Discography

Music – Studio Albums

• Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (1994, Blackground/Jive Records)
  • Notable singles: “Back & Forth,” “At Your Best (You Are Love),” “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number”
• One in a Million (1996, Blackground/Atlantic Records)
  • Notable singles: “If Your Girl Only Knew,” “One in a Million,” “4 Page Letter,” “Hot Like Fire,” “The One I Gave My Heart To”
• Aaliyah (2001, Blackground/Virgin Records)
  • Notable singles: “We Need a Resolution,” “More Than a Woman,” “Rock the Boat”

Music – Soundtrack Contributions

• Anastasia (1997): “Journey to the Past” (single for the animated film)
• Dr. Dolittle (1998): “Are You That Somebody?” (featuring Timbaland)
• Romeo Must Die (2000): Executive producer of the soundtrack; contributed four songs:
  • “Try Again,” “Come Back in One Piece” (with DMX), “Are You Feelin’ Me?,” “I Don’t Wanna”
• Queen of the Damned (2002, posthumous): Music used in the film’s score

Filmography

Movies

• Romeo Must Die (2000): Played Trish O’Day, her acting debut
• Queen of the Damned (2002, posthumous): Played Akasha, the vampire queen
• The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions (unreleased): Cast as Zee, but her scenes were not filmed due to her death; role recast with Nona Gaye

TV Shows

• New York Undercover (1997): Guest appearance, performing “Choosey Lover”
• All That (1995): Musical guest appearance
• MTV Diary (2001): Featured in a documentary-style episode about her life and career

Music Videos

Aaliyah starred in numerous music videos for her singles, known for their innovative choreography and futuristic aesthetics, including:

• “Back & Forth” (1994)
• “At Your Best (You Are Love)” (1994)
• “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
• “One in a Million” (1996)
• “Try Again” (2000)
• “We Need a Resolution” (2001)
• “More Than a Woman” (2001)
• “Rock the Boat” (2001, posthumous)

Modeling and Endorsements

• Tommy Hilfiger Campaign (1997): Modeled for the brand, appearing in print ads and runway shows
• Various magazine covers and features, including Vibe, Seventeen, and Rolling Stone

Other Notable Contributions

• Aaliyah served as an executive producer for the Romeo Must Die soundtrack, showcasing her influence in curating music for film.
• She was involved in early planning for a collaborative album with Timbaland and Missy Elliott, which was unfinished at the time of her death.