Sunday marked what would have been the late R&B singer Aaliyah’s 43rd birthday. Her family, friends, and fans flooded social media with heartfelt messages, favorite songs from the singer, and her impact on the music industry.
“Today, we celebrate your life, legacy, and beautiful soul,” her family wrote on Instagram.
Aaliyah Haughton was a Detroit-based singer who rose to fame in the early 90s and became one of the most well-known singers during that time. She released three multiplatinum albums before her untimely death.
In 2001, the 22-year-old singer died in an airplane crash in the Bahamas while shooting the “Rock the Boat’ music video. The crash killed all nine members aboard.
“You brought so much light and passion to everyone you met and everything you did,” the family continued on the Instagram post. “You remain forever in our hearts and minds.”
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In a previous post, the family shared a photo with beautiful floral arrangements and a set of candles while an unreleased track of Aaliyah singing “Ave Maria” in the background.
“To You Our Love Flowers From Above Candles From The World, We Will See You Again Bask In The Day God Sent You We Will See You And Your Comrades Again Not Yet, Not Yet,” they wrote in the caption. “Mom, Dad, Ra, All Who Truly Loved You and Love You Still. Forever More.”
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Though her career was cut short at an early age, Aaliyah’s impact on the music industry was indisputable.
At 14-years-old, she released her debut album Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number in 1994. The project quickly peaked at number 18 on the Billboard charts.
Following her second album, One in a Million, the singer tapped producers Missy Elliott and Timbaland, who produced the project and one of Aaliyah’s most memorable hits. The singer’s musical catalog was available on all streaming platforms in August, celebrating 20 years since her death, Sis2Sis reported.
Missy Elliott, 50, took to Twitter and paid tribute to her beloved friend, leaving a heartfelt birthday message.
“Babygirl, even though you are not here in physical form, your SPIRIT still lives on! Your IMPACT is FOREVER! You are still (TIMELESS) Your work & STYLE still INFLUENCING a new generation,” Elliott wrote. “Happy BornDay Aaliyah. You are Loved & missed by many. Love you.”
Babygirl even though you are not here in physical form your SPIRIT still lives on! Your IMPACT is FOREVER! You are still (TIMELESS) Your work & STYLE still INFLUENCING a new generation🙌🏾 Happy BornDay Aaliyah You are Loved & missed by many💜Love you🕊🙏🏾💜 pic.twitter.com/KV5J9u6zpj
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) January 16, 2022
Happy Birthday, baby girl! May your life and legacy continue to inspire us all.
