Ten years ago today, singer/dancer/actress Aaliyah Dana Haughton passed on from this world at the young age of 22 years in a devastating plane crash in the Bahamas, that took 8 other lives with her. A shocking and devastating blow to the music world, Aaliyah's passing occurred during her promotion and release of her third studio album as well as impending hit movies like the "Matrix" sequels and "Honey" in line. With this post, I dedicate to the memory of my favorite childhood singer/actress as well as to the fans that have boldly yet humbly kept her memory, music, and grace very much alive.
Growing up, I had many favorite female singers. I loved me some Janet and Lauryn Hill and Mary J., Britney and Christina, Brandy and Monica and Mya, Destiny's Child, En Vogue, and of course the Spice Girls. But there was something about Aaliyah that made her stand out. She had a very sweet yet soulful voice that fit perfectly with her r&b/hip-hop music. She danced effortlessly in her music videos on top of the flyest Timbaland/Missy Elliot-produced beats. She had the best style and head of hair I had seen from anyone at the time. She was naturally beautiful and while wearing sexy clothing, carried herself with grace and class. She was humble and personable even at such a young age which made you feel like you knew her.
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A picture of Aaliyah I drew for my sketchbook
for my art class in the 8th grade. |
Her death in late August 2001 came to me as a huge shock. I remember I was 13 and my mom was doing my hair for church the following morning when most people found out. She mentioned it to me in a casual yet saddening manner. I could not believe what I heard and thought it was all a hoax. My worst fears were confirmed when I switched on the TV later that day with it being the top story on many entertainment and music stations. I was still in utter disbelief. I remember them creating her "Behind the Music" a few weeks later and me crying hysterically when they were interviewing her family and close friends. That was the first time I had ever cried over a celebrity's passing. With the coming of the September 11th events, those next few months were very hard for me for many reasons.
Not too long after her homegoing, many long-haired r&b/pop singer/dancers came out within the next few years: Ashanti, Ciara, Amerie, Tweet, Cassie, and probably more than that. This can also include the emerging popularity of Beyonce in which some some die-hard fanatics even say that if Aaliyah was still alive, Beyonce would not even compare. I would not go so far as to say that for I believe that we can live in a world with two black r&b/pop crossover hit singer-actresses. However I do believe that Aaliyah would definitely be one of the biggest entertainers today as she would have turned 32 years-old back in January.
People look at her music videos, live gigs, and acting performances and wonder what would have become of Aaliyah if she were still with us. It has been 10 years and her music is still among my favorites. Even though I see myself thinking about what would have been I, as well as many other fans, have peace about such (at times) torturing thoughts. It was such a loss to us down here but such a gain in Heaven. Succeeding in so much within 22 years is an amazing feat, and I believe Aaliyah would be proud of the artists that followed her and were inspired by her. I think she would have been happy that her family, friends, and fans kept and continue to keep her legacy living and breathing. Aaliyah was a part of my childhood and is a part of my music and personal inspirations. Truly one in a million.
♥
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