Born January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York, little Aaliyah Dana Haughton came into the world bearing a show-biz pedigree--she was the niece of legendary R&B; singer Gladys Knight--and a drive that belied her youth.

As a toddler, she sang along to her mother's Barbra Streisand and Luther Vandross albums. She made her stage debut at age six, and her uncle was managing her career by her ninth birthday. By 15, she had a hit record.

And at just 22, Aaliyah was gone.

This E! True Hollywood Story gives a revealing look at the life and tragic death of this multitalented singer and actress. You'll see exclusive footage of Aaliyah's elementary school plays, her work as a pop star and Hollywood actress and the August 2001 plane crash that claimed her life. In the weeks following her untimely death, Aaliyah's self-titled album--the last release of a passionate, beloved young performer--reached number one on the charts.