In a definitive and “excellent homage to a star who left this planet too soon” (Questlove), the life, career, tragic death, and evolution of Aaliyah into a music legend are explored—now updated with new material featuring in-depth research and exclusive interviews. By twenty-two years old, Aaliyah had already accomplished a staggering amount: hit records, acclaimed acting roles, and fame that was just about to cross over into superstardom. Like her song, she was already “more than a woman” but her shocking death in a plane crash prevented her from fully growing into one. Now, two decades later, the full story of Aaliyah’s life and cultural impact is finally and lovingly revealed. Baby Girl features never-before-told stories, including studio anecdotes, personal tales, and eyewitness accounts on the events leading up to her untimely passing. Her enduring influence on today’s artists—such as Rihanna, Drake, Normani, and many more—is also celebrated, providing Aaliyah’s discography a cultural critique that is long overdue. “There’s no better way to pay your respect to R&B’s true angel than to lose yourself in the pages” (Kim Osorio, journalist and author of Straight from the Source) of this “dazzling biography” (Publishers Weekly) that is as unforgettable as its subject. This book was written without the participation of Aaliyah’s family/estate.

In this biography of Aaliyah, Tim Footman tells the story of her short life, detailing her childhood in Detroit, where she attended stage school and became an assured performer, performing in Las Vegas by the age of 11 and securing a record deal at the age of 12. By age 15, Aaliyah had her first No. 1 hit and had become involved with her mentor, R&B producer R Kelly. A series of award winning hit albums and singles followed, including the album One in a Million, which went platinum, and the single 'Try Again', for which she won a Grammy. The book also covers Aaliyah's career as an actress, winning lead roles in blockbusters such as Romeo Must Die, and Queen of the Damned, plus her other hugely successful contributions to film soundtracks. The events leading to her death in 2001 are also covered, plus the subsequent impact of this loss on her fans and the music industry. Aaliyah's aura of mystery and her iconic status are discussed throughout the book.

Don’t miss the inspirational biography behind the exciting new Lifetime movie Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B, starring Alexandra Shipp as the extraordinary singer Aaliyah. Aaliyah Dana Haughton was that music business rarity: a teen idol who transformed herself into a critically acclaimed hip-hop soul artist, a singer who successfully made the transition to actress, and a beautiful woman who never let the trappings of celebrity go to her head. Following her impressive debut at age fourteen with the album Age Ain’t Nothin’ but a Number, Aaliyah raised the bar with her hugely influential and bestselling follow-up, One in a Million. She then took her talents to Hollywood, starring in the action thriller Romeo Must Die and the highly anticipated horror film The Queen of the Damned. But soon after the release of her third album in the summer of 2001, Aaliyah’s life was cut short in a tragic plane crash. Here is the inspirational story of the star The Washington Post dubbed “Hip-Hop’s Lady Di”—a woman who, by the time of her death at age twenty-two, touched legions of fans around the world with her haunting voice and gentle spirit.

"By twenty-two years old, Aaliyah had already accomplished a staggering amount: hit records, acclaimed acting roles, and fame that was just about to cross over into superstardom. Like her song, she was already "more than a woman" but her shocking death in a plane crash prevented her from fully growing into one. Now, two decades later, the full story of Aaliyah's life and cultural impact is finally and lovingly revealed. Baby Girl features never-before-told stories, including studio anecdotes, personal tales, and eyewitness accounts on the events leading up to her untimely passing. Her enduring influence on today's artists--such as Rihanna, Drake, Normani, and many more--is also celebrated, providing Aaliyah's discography a cultural critique that is long overdue. "--Provided by publisher.

Watching Aaliyah grow and accomplish various challenges peculiar to a child of her age, was both exciting and motivating. It was thrilling observing how she dealt with things like shyness or riding a bike without training wheels. I remember the fun she had when she went fishing for the very first time. Small things thrilled her; things like, going to the beauty salon with Mom or just spending a weekend at Grandma’s house. I’m certain you will fall in love with Aaliyah as she touches your heart with her real life experiences. You will see how she dealt with problems and difficulties; while at the same time truly enjoying life. I look forward to writing more stories about Aaliyah and I hope you are looking forward to reading them. Until then, RK Simms Upcoming Books: Aaliyah and Dad Goes Fishing Aaliyah and Mom Goes to the Beauty Salon Aaliyah’s Weekend at Grandma’s House Aaliyah Writes a Book Aaliyah & Alexandria Goes to Sesame Place Aaliyah’s Bus Trip to Canada

EBONY is the flagship magazine of Johnson Publishing. Founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson, it still maintains the highest global circulation of any African American-focused magazine.

Accompanied by tributes from fans and colleagues, traces the life of the successful singer who first gained notice as a talented teenager and later made the transition to acting in films before her untimely death in a plane crash.