Aaliyah was indeed becoming a rising cross over star when her life was tragically cut short when a plane carrying her and her entourage crashed shortly after takeoff. Her death was exactly ten years ago today.
Aaliyah debuted in 1994 with the album "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number". Aaliyah was fifteen at the time setting the way for other teen artists such as Britney Spears, Brandy and Monica. The track "Back And Fourth" shot to the top of the R&B charts and to # 5 on the Billboard Top 100. Her second album "One In a Million" has songs written by rap artist Missy Elliott and produced by Timbaland. Her last album Aaliyah was released in July 2001 just a month before she passed away. The album debuted at # 2 on the Billboard Top 100 charts. All three of these albums have been certified double-platinum. She also appeared at the 1998 Academy Awards performing" Journey To The Past" from the Anastasia movie.
Aaliyah also was an accomplished actress staring in "Romeo Must Die," with Jet Li and DMX and "Queen of the Damned," was ended up being released after she passed. At the time of her death she was shooting the two Matrix sequels. Nona Gaye replaced her in the role.
You can see the influence of Aaliyah in several of the hit artists today such as Ciara, Rihanna and Cassie to name a few.
In memory of Aaliyah, the Entertainment Industry Foundation created the Aaliyah Memorial Fund to donate money raised to charities she supported.. In December 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked Aaliyah at number 70 on the its Top Artists of the Decade while her eponymous album was ranked at number 181 on the magazine's Top 200 Albums of the Decade.
Aaliyah's legacy is being remembered by her fans. Each year on the anniversary of her death fans gather at Aaliyah's Weeping Willow Tree in Central Park.
Fans are also requesting her music today at radio and video stations and donating to the Aaliyah Memorial Fund.
BET has been celebrating her life and music for the past 24 days.
There has been exclusive photos, celebrity quotes, featured music and more in her memory leading up to the commemorative Aaliyah: One In A Million special airing on BET Thursday, August 25 at 8P/7C.
The special will feature commentary from Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Damon Dash, Nadine Ellis, Patti Labelle, Kelly Rowland and more.
Alicia Keys even recently spoke about how much Aaliyah inspired her. Tune in to BET.com for the next 25 days as they remember Aaliyah.
Click on the video link to see Aaliyah performing at the Academy Awards from 1998.
For more information, please visit: www.bet.com
For more information on Aaliyah, please visit: www.aaliyah.com
RIP Aaliyah January 16, 1979- August 25, 2001
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