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Laundry Service When Shakira told the world that the title of her new album would be "Laundry Service" at September's MTV Video Music Awards, those around acted as if her English skills simply weren't there. After all, who would name an album "Laundry Service"?
Shakira, that's who. The Colombian-born pop princess makes a bid for an international audience with an album called just that.
"I feel washed clean of the way I looked at things in the past, which is why I am calling the album 'Laundry Service,'" she said.
The release is a 13-track journey through the ups and downs of love. Boasting four Spanish tracks for die-hard fans, the 24-year-old performer exceeds comparisons -- though "Underneath Your Clothes" recalls Jewel's philosophizing and "Que Me Quedes Tu" sounds like an Alanis Morissette tune.
Her sound ranges from tango to country to pop to rock and everywhere in between. Because of that, Shakira is truly a performer that defies categorization.
Final thoughts: Shakira's "Laundry Service" is unlike anything in most American music collections. Go ahead -- jump on the bandwagon.
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When Shakira told the world that the title of her new album would be "Laundry Service" at September's MTV Video Music Awards, those around acted as if her English skills simply weren't there. After all, who would name an album "Laundry Service"?
Shakira, that's who. The Colombian-born pop princess makes a bid for an international audience with an album called just that.
"I feel washed clean of the way I looked at things in the past, which is why I am calling the album 'Laundry Service,'" she said.
The release is a 13-track journey through the ups and downs of love. Boasting four Spanish tracks for die-hard fans, the 24-year-old performer exceeds comparisons -- though "Underneath Your Clothes" recalls Jewel's philosophizing and "Que Me Quedes Tu" sounds like an Alanis Morissette tune.
Her sound ranges from tango to country to pop to rock and everywhere in between. Because of that, Shakira is truly a performer that defies categorization.
Final thoughts: Shakira's "Laundry Service" is unlike anything in most American music collections. Go ahead -- jump on the bandwagon.
 Wiggle Your Waist Like Shakira Want to look good in your hip-hugger jeans? If you've tried everything but still can't get the girlie curves you want, give belly dancing a whirl.
Latin songstress Shakira brought this sexy dance to the mainstream with a hip-swiveling performance of her Arabic-influenced song "Ojos Asi" at the 2000 Latin Grammy Awards. Read on to learn more about an ancient tradition that's suddenly become the newest fitness craze.
What Is Belly Dancing?
Belly dancing, which originated in areas of the Middle East and Africa, has been around for thousands of years. According to a July 2001 article in New Jersey Monthly, the tradition of belly dancing is passed down in Middle Eastern families from mother to daughter. "Middle Eastern dance is an alternative to traditional exercise," Linden Kim Leary, who teaches belly dancing at Princeton University and Middlesex County College, tells the magazine. "It feels better, gets good results and offers a creative outlet."
How It Works
Belly dancing helps you burn calories while working your thighs, hips and abdominal muscles. "It's great for your abs and helps you radiate positive energy," belly dance instructor Dolphina told Cosmopolitan magazine. It's a low-impact activity, like walking, and can help you burn up to 160 calories per half hour. To get started, pick up a video, such as "Bellydance! Slow Moves," from Amazon to learn the basics.
Who's Doing It?
Dolphina has taught belly dancing to celebs like Minnie Driver, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos and Heather Locklear. Britney Spears was seen swinging her hips during a sexy performance of "Oops! ... I Did It Again" at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Christina Aguilera added some belly-dancing flavor to last year's Latin Grammy's. But these moves aren't just for the ladies -- Sting does the dance in his video for "Desert Rose."
-- Stacy Morgan
Her Bio Name
Shakira
Birthday
Feb. 2, 1977
Birthplace
Colombia
How she got her start
Shakira signed her first recording contract at 13. After graduating from high school, she decided to dedicate her life to music. She has since recorded four more albums and holds one Grammy and two Latin Grammys. Shakira released her first English album, "Laundry Service," in 2001.
Projects
Laundry Service -- 2001
Dnde Estn Los Ladrones? -- 1998
Pies Descalzos -- 1996
Did you know?
Shakira used to be compared to Alanis Morissette when she had dark hair.
What Shakira and Others Wish For
What do you get for someone who has everything?
That may be a dilemma facing friends and family of rich and famous pop stars this holiday season.
"The last couple years I haven't wanted special gifts," hip-hop star Fabolous told Katrillion. "People don't have to get you gifts when you're successful, people just say 'He got money, I don't have to buy him anything.'"
Perhaps for that reason, some stars want presents that have no price tag. The guys of O-Town told us they want time off to spend with their families. Meanwhile, Latin sweetheart Shakira said, "I want a certificate signed by God to me guaranteeing to me that everything is going to be just all right. That it's going to continue being all right."
However, some stars admit they want something to play with on Christmas Day. Alien Ant Farm drummer Mike Cosgrove says he wants a cool new drum set.
-- Latoya Hunter
Dec. 21, 2001 12:02 PM EST
Shakira: The New Face of Delias
-- Tell your parents to breath deep and exhale.
If they have issues with Britney's barely-there appearance, they might have issues with the blond belly-dancing pop goddess that's about to appear in your mailbox.
International pop sensation Shakira has just signed on as Delias' spring spokeswoman. The Latin songstress will appear on the cover the Delias catalog beginning in January.
The teen clothing store chain will offer free enhanced Shakira CDs with every $75 purchase, as well as a chance to win one of 500 autographed Shakira discs in its stores across the country.
Parents can breathe a sigh of relief when they find out that the sultry singer's recent wardrobe choices will not be available in the Delias stores or the upcoming catalog. Of course, this is one pop diva that's not afraid to admit some of her looks aren't even her style.
"I'm definitely not the type of girl that loves to wear high heels and mini skirts," she recently admitted to WWD. "My thing is mostly pants and boots and belts and studs. But you never know, I'm surrounded by so many stylists that I lose focus and end up wearing some glamorous thing."
-- Summer Krecke
Dec. 28, 2001 09:52 AM EST
Shakira, the graceful one, has been sneaking up on you-the Grammys, the MTV Video Awards, those Pepsi spots. She's a child prodigy who wrote her first song at age eight, a blond-locked Colombian who speaks three languages and loves only in Spanish. She's a perfectionist who spends hours in the studio; she needs to be close to nature but her passion is the crackle of electric guitars. She is in the blush of youth, but she's far older than her 24 years. As her countryman, Nobel Prize winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote, "Shakira's music has a personal stamp that doesn't look like anyone else's and no one can sing or dance like her, at whatever age, with such an innocent sensuality, one that seems to be of her own invention."
The swift ascent of Shakira's star is the stuff of Latin American legend. At the age of 13, she signed her first recording contract with Sony Music Colombia and released her first album Magia. (Magic). After graduating from secondary school, Shakira decided to dedicate her life to the music, recording Peligro ("Danger") and Pies Descalzos, ("Barefeet") in the years that followed, which broke her in Latin America , Brazil (over one million sales) and Spain. Her next album, ?Dnde Estn Los Ladrones? produced by Shakira and executive produced by Emilio Estefan, established her as the major force behind Latin pop-rock, going multi-platinum in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Central America, Mexico and platinum in Spain. Then came a Grammy and two Latin Grammys, the key TV appearances, the brave new world of Shakira, the star. Shakira is a walking, living, breathing, singing contradiction. "I was born and raised in Colombia, but I listened to bands like Led Zeppelin, the Cure, the Police, the Beatles and Nirvana," said Shakira. "I was so in love with that rock sound but at the same time because my father is of l00% Lebanese descent, I am devoted to Arabic tastes and sounds. Somehow I'm a fusion of all of those passions and my music is a fusion of elements that I can make coexist in the same place, in one song."
It's the songs that make her new album, LAUNDRY SERVICE, her first with English-language tunes, the kind of breakthrough work that will turn the pop world on its head. From the tango-inflected "Objection (Tango)," to the Middle Eastern flavor of "Eyes Like Yours," to the lyrical innovations of "Underneath Your Clothes", to the richness of the melodies of "The One," to the pop-rock of "Whenever Wherever," Shakira will stand in the ranks of the best singer-songwriters in any language.
"I think I am celebrating life more than ever," said Shakira. "I had a slightly narrow vision of love. Now I am feeling unguarded, and it feels great. I feel washed clean of the way I looked at things in the past, which is why I am calling the album LAUNDRY SERVICE."
The most extraordinary thing about LAUNDRY SERVICE is the way she was able to translate her Latin American sensibility into a new language. The idea to do songs in English first came up during Shakira's partnership with Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Gloria initiated the process by translating "Ojos As," a song that appeared on Shakira's last album, Dnde Estn Los Ladrones? (Where are the Thieves?). "I wanted to have her involved in this somehow because she was one of the people that really believed that I could make a record in English," said Shakira.
But nurturing the belief that she could write songs in English was a strong challenge. "The first song I wrote by myself for this record was "Objection," remembered Shakira. "I prayed and asked God to send me a good song today, and I remember I started writing the song a couple of hours after. I wrote the music and lyrics at the same time, and when that happens it's really magical to me." When she completed "Objection," she knew that she could write ten more, so she packed up her loved ones and set up portable studios in rural Uruguay. Taking in the primordial energy of natural surroundings, Shakira came up with a crop of new songs more introspective, more passionate than any she had written before. "I had to find a way to express my ideas and my feelings, my day to day stories in English. So I bought a couple of rhyming dictionaries, read poetry, and authors like Leonard Cohen and Walt Whitman," she said.
"I would feel love in Spanish but I would think about how to express that love in English. Afterwards that became such a natural process, and if you check the subject of my songs, most of them talk about my own experiences and feelings and what I was actually going through in my life," said Shakira. "Is impossible not to write about love.. It's the great mystery of life. It makes me ask myself new questions every day."
Shakira is one of the poetic songwriters of her generation and considered the best female lyricist in Latin America: On the ballad "Underneath Your Clothes," she claims as territory a man she likens to "a song written by the hands of God"; on the blues-rocker "Fool" her "tears make a sea of desert." But she is still as quirky around the edges as she's always been-on "Ready for the Good Times" she remembers close encounters with roaches; on "Poem to a Horse" she scolds a friend dulled by "hydroponic pot," and on "The One," she rewards her true love by shaving her legs and learning how to cook.
"I try to represent only myself, but there are many women that identify with me," said Shakira. "I am definitely not a woman who washes her husband's clothes every day. I hope I don't sound like a feminist leader saying these things. I just try to be honest the way I write."
There's no doubt that Shakira has maintained her creative integrity with her new project. But perhaps more importantly, LAUNDRY SERVICE is a record that reflects her deep love for the basics of rock production. "I felt that I needed to make an organic record with real players in the studio playing live music and doing it like they made records 30 years ago, in the old times," said Shakira. "We used an engineer named Terry Manning, who's worked with ACDC, Led Zeppelin, Lenny Kravitz. He's somebody from the old school. I was determined not to depend on too many electronic sounds, and he definitely understood that."
On LAUNDRY SERVICE there is a very strong dedication to old-fashioned rock riffs, to the soulful, bluesy singing styles of a Bonnie Raitt, even the mournful, wailing guitars of Aerosmith. But Shakira can't help being herself, and that means that "Whenever Wherever," will bounce along with some help from Andean pan flutes and Brazilian drums, and "Eyes Like Yours" bursts from your CD player with navel-baring, belly-dancing furor. And for those longing for Shakira in her original language, four new tracks in Spanish are included. "The world has become so small and music is so eclectic now, and our taste is so broad that that's almost predictable that all this crossover from one culture to another was going to happen," she said, then paused for a second, making sure everyone knew she had her priorities straight. "But I know that rock and roll is never going to die."
Shakira Appearances!
Go 2 http://www.shakira.com/ for more listings. November 29th - Today Show/NBC
December 1st - Saturday Night Live/NBC
December 7th - Regis & Kelly/ABC/9am
December 16th - Miami Y100 Radio Xmas Show
December 18th - New York WKTU Radio Xmas Show
December 19th - Los Angeles KIIS Radio Xmas Show
Check your local listings for exact showtimes of TV Appearances News Shakira
The New Album
Laundry Service
Featuring The Single, "Whenever, Wherever"
Is In Stores NOW
SHAKIRA SIGHTINGS!
Shakira and Laundry Service, are EVERYWHERE! Play the Shakira "Blender" game, and read her Interview With EW.com!
Enter To Win A Sony Discman/MP3 Player!
Check out Kiwibox.com and you could also be taking home a photo of Shakira and her new CD!
Shakira Sweeps!
Read Blender magazines Interview With Shakira and enter to win a Sony Mini Hi-Fi system and her full catalog, including her new CD, Laundry Service
Watch the full-length video
for "Whenever, Wherever"
RealVideo all speeds
WindowsMedia 56 | 100 | 300
QuickTime all speeds
Shakira's new video for "Whenever, Wherever" has been living large in the TRL Countdown!
Help Shakira get it to #1 and vote for it!!! Here's all you have to do: Call 1-800-DIAL-MTV (1-800-342-5688) between 3-3:30PM (EST), 2-2:30PM (Central), 1-1:30PM (Mountain), 12noon-12:30PM (PST) and request "Whenever, Wherever" / Shakira. Keep calling until you get through! You can also Vote Online while you're calling!
American Music Award Nomination!
Congratulations to Shakira on her 2002 American Music Award Nomination for "Favorite Artist - Latin Music"! The 29th Annual American Music Awards will air on January 9, 2002 @ 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Want to see how much you know about Shakira? Click here to test your Shakira knowledge by competing against her in MSN's latest edition of their popular game "Outsmart!"
Now Go 2 :
http://www.shakira.com More On Shakira Shakira is a South American super-star. Although she is of Middle Eastern ancestry, she grew up in Colombia, and her music reflects the rich variety of her background.
She is a most outstanding performer, and writes all of her own songs. Within the last year, she has received awards in every Latin Music award show I've seen, as well as recently pulling in a handful of Grammy awards in the first ever Latin Gramy award cerimony.
An English language album was supposed to be out at the begining of 1999, and has been pushed back and back. Originally I heard it was going to be a translation of Dnde Estn los Ladrones?, but after a few delays, I heard they were working on mostly new songs, with a few translations from Dnde Estn los Ladrones? and Pies Descalzos. Aparently, the MTV Unplugged album pushed it back some more. Well we're still waiting. If I hear of any new info, I will post it in this space, because many of you write wanting to know when this recording will be available.
NOTE TO SONY, SHAKIRA AND EMILIO ESTEFAN: Let me know when Shakira's new album is due to be released, so I can let people know.
Bits of Shak info.
Shakira is twenty-three years old
Her full name is Shakira Isobel Mebarak Ripoll
She was born in Barranquilla, Colombia
Her birthday is February 2, 1977
She wrote over forty songs by the time she was ten
When she was 14 her first album was released (only in Colombia)
She won multiple Grammys
She won a World Music Award (among others)
Her albums have reached gold or platinum status in:
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Mexico
Peru
United States
Venezuela
The song 'Ojos asi' has a verse in Arabic
Shakira means "Woman full of grace" in Arabic
The Time magazine review said missing out on 'donde...' would be "at least a misdemeanor"
The cd The Remixes contains several of her hits in Portuguese.
When the English album comes out, it will be the fourth language Shakira has recorded in.
Here are the known Shakira albums available in the USA:
available in the USA:
Pies Descalzos
(Barefoot Feet) (1996)
The Remixes (1997)
Dnde Estn los Ladrones?
(Where Are the Thieves?) (1998)
MTV Unplugged (2000)
Shakira rakes in the awards. Her most recent (and biggest to date) hardware was the two she pulled down at the first ever Latin Grammys!! Here she is at the show, where she was nominatated for three, received two, and performed a rowsing live number!
Like I said, she pulls in awards left and right. And she should. Here are a few more pix of her loading up on the much deserved hardware.
Like most people, I would love to see Sony release a long form video with an hour or so of Shakira's music vids. I'd buy one the day it was released, wouldn't you? So, if you're listening, Sony...
Anyways, here are two pix from her outstanding mucic videos.
Gloria an Emilio Estefan are big supporters of Shakira and are both good friends of Shak. Here is Gloria Estefan and Shakira.
Although Shakira's basic hair colour is black, and she looks fine in the original colour, she has sported several shades and colours. Here are a selection. I would say don't get too attached to any hair-hue, because she has many other's that she still hasn't tried yet.
Shakira is perhaps the most recognizable and certainly, the most intriguing voice in Latin pop/rock today.
The 23-year-old singer/songwriter, who catapulted to international fame with the multi-million selling "Pies Descalzos," effectively broke the formulaic mold of Latin pop with an authentic sound that hadn't been heard before.
Her tunes, like her hit single "Estoy Aqu", are melodic, musically surprising and gritty, with intellectual lyrics and an electronic/acoustic blend.
Now, her gutsy, rock-infused album, "Donde Estn los Ladrones," with Emilio Estefan's Executive Production, and Shakira's Artistic Production assures her position as a pioneer who has redefined the scope of Latin American singers.
Born Shakira Mebarak Ripoll in the coastal city of Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira-who goes by her first name only-- is that blend of raw talent, brains and charisma that only rarely comes along in any field. Her name, which in Arabic means "woman full of grace," belies her ancestry.
She is the daughter of a Colombian mother and a Lebanese father-a jeweler and writer whose Arabic background greatly influenced his daughter. Shakira's fondness for music was apparent early on, and she started winning local and national talent contests at age 10.
By 13, she had signed a record deal with Sony in Colombia, which resulted in her first album, "Magia (Magic)," a compilation of songs she wrote between the ages of 8 and 13. It was an effort that put Shakira in Colombia's musical map, and led to her being chosen to represent her country at the Fesival OTI in Spain. Because she was under the minimum age of 16, she wasn't allowed to participate. So instead, Shakira recorded a second album of original material, "Peligro (Danger)."
At that point, Shakira took a break from music, graduated from high school (at age 15-really) and came back with a vengeance.
The result was the phenomenally successful "Pies Descalzos," a hit-laden smash, which has sold close to four million copies worldwide. Shakira became an international sensation touring for an almost solid two years, playing her songs to sold-out audiences throughout the world. In Brazil alone, "Pies Descalzos" sold in excess of 900,000 copies, leading Shakira to record remixes in Portuguese for her Brazilian fans.
She abandoned the light pop format she had been doing and declined her label's suggestion to explore more commercial avenues. Instead, she insisted on recording her very own brand of music: a blend of pop and rock that was unprecedented for a Colombian musician, much less a woman.
Such a smashing hit seems impossible to surpass. But Shakira has done it with "Donde Estan los Ladrones," a collection of potential hits that further explores the realms of rock 'n' roll without losing Shakira's authenticity.
"It is totally refreshing for me to work with an artist who knows exactly what she wants, both at a musical and a personal level," said Emilio Estefan. "Her music is Shakira. It's real music."
No wonder, then, that it was Shakira who was chosen among dozens of female Latin singers to grace the cover of Time Magazine in a recent article titled "Era of the Rockera".
Last year, the Colombian government designated Shakira as an official goodwill ambassador, the Pope granted her an audience in the Vatican, and she was named Latin Female Artist of the Year at the World Music Awards in Monaco in May. The next logical step is crossover to the English market, a goal that is now closer than ever.
Critics are already hailing "Donde Estan los Ladrones" as a breakthrough album whose thought-provoking songs (the title track skewers thieves) that leave her standing a notch taller than a slew of female singer/songwriters, heard on radio today. Shakira's first single, translated by Gloria Estefan, is already in the works.
For the most exciting singer/songwriter to come out of Latin America in years, the possibilities are endless. For the millions that already buy her albums, she is already the voice of a new generation.
1999 Sony Music Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.
 Name
Aaliyah (Aaliyah Haughton)
Birthday
Jan. 16, 1979
Birthplace
New York, N.Y.
How she got her start
Aaliyah grew up in Detroit, where she sang for church and school choirs. Her big break came at age 11, when she sang back up for Gladys Knight in Las Vegas. In 1994, she released her debut album, "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number," before she completed high school. The album, featuring the hit songs "Back and Forth" and "At Your Best (You Are Love)," became huge hits and helped the album go platinum.
Discography
Aaliyah -- 2001
One in a Million -- 1996
Age Ain't Nothing But a Number -- 1994
Projects
Queen of the Damned -- 2002
Romeo Must Die -- 2000
Did you know?
The name Aaliyah is Swahili for "exalted one."
The World Reacts to Aaliyah's Death
Aaliyah's loved ones, associates and fans are struggling to cope with the death of the 22-year-old singer, who was killed along with with eight others in a plane crash on Saturday.
"Aaliyah, one of the world's brightest and most talented stars, will be mourned by all who loved her and loved her music," Virgin Records said in a statement. "Her depth and versatility as an artist was matched by the passion and devotion she had for her craft."
Her label, Blackground Records, said, "The example she showed young people will be sorely missed and we hope her short time on earth will be an inspiration to young people all over the world."
Many fans have turned to the Internet to express their grief. "Aaliyah was an incredible and inspirational role model for so many teens (including myself)," one admirer wrote on Katrillion's message board.
Another fan wrote, "I have all her CDs, my whole room is covered with posters. Now what?"
Meanwhile, Aaliyah's family released a brief statement saying they are "devastated at the loss of their loving daughter and sister."
Although she was only 22 years old, Aaliyah had accomplished a lot in her career.
Her Music
"Age Ain't Nothing But a Number" (1994) -- At 15, Aaliyah lived up to this album's title. It spawned the singles "Back and Forth" and "At Your Best (You Are In Love)."
"One in a Million" (1996) -- The album that really put Aaliyah over the top in the R&B/hip-hop world. It featured then-newcomers Missy Elliott and Timbaland.
"Aaliyah" (2001) -- Released on July 17, this album reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts. Aaliyah was flying back from the Bahamas where she was filming a video for the song "Rock the Boat" when she was killed.
Her Acting
"Romeo Must Die" (2000) -- Aaliyah proved she was more than just a singer when she shared the big screen with action star Jet Li.
"Queen of the Damned" (due out in early 2002) -- The singer played a vampire in this Anne Rice adaptation.
Aaliyah was scheduled to play the character Zee in the next two installments of "The Matrix."
- Latoya Hunter and David Pomponio
 Public Memorial Service:
A public memorial service in honor of Aaliyah was held on Friday, August 31st in New York City. A continuous loop of Aaliyah's videos, performances and music will run throughout the day. Fans are encouraged and invited to attend, pay tribute to Aaliyah's life and career and mourn this great loss.
Friday, August 31, 2001.
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cipriani's 42nd Street
110 East 42nd Street
New York, New York
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Our beloved Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash on Saturday night along with our own Gina Smith, 29, of New Jersey, Aaliyah's product manager at Blackground Records; Blackground Records own Keith Wallace, 49, of Los Angeles; Douglas Kratz, 28, Virgin Records' director of video production; her bodyguard Scott Gallin, 41; Aaliyah's personal hair stylist Eric Forman, 29, of Los Angeles; hair stylist Anthony Dodd, 34, of Los Angeles; and makeup artist Christopher Maldonado, 32, of New York; as well as the plane's pilot, identified only as L. Maradel.
The Cessna 402 was departing from the Marsh Harbour airport bound for Opa-locka, Florida, when it crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 6:50pm, police say. The plane is said to have crashed approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway killing six people instantly. Three others died later due to their injuries.
Aaliyah had just completed filming of her video for "Rock The Boat", directed by Hype Williams, in which she took time off of her promotional tour to shoot. The cause of the crash isn't known yet, but authorities suspect engine failure because the plane took off in good weather conditions. CNN is reporting that Gloria Knowles, who works for Abaco Air Ltd. at Marsh Harbour airport, said baggage handlers reported the plane was overloaded with suitcases, yet the plane was still allowed to depart at the insistance of the passengers.
It was only two weeks ago that Aaliyah completed filming of her "More Than A Woman" video and she was also scheduled to be a presenter at the 2001 MTV awards on Thursday, September 6th in New York City. Aaliyah had already completed the initial shooting for the Matrix II in Los Angeles last month and was scheduled to fly to Australia after the New Year to finish up principal photography for The Matrix II & III.
Our prayers go out to the families of all that were lost. They will be dearly missed.
The Haughton Family Statement:
Aaliyah's family is devastated at the loss of their loving daughter & sister. Their hearts go out to those families who also lost their loved ones in this tragic accident.
The Blackground Records Statement: Blackground is devastated with the loss of our Queen. The example she showed young people will be sorely missed and we hope her short time on earth will be an inspiration to young people all over the world.
We are equally distraught by the passing of our Blackground family members Gina Smith and Keith Wallace. Their hard work and dedication were an invaluable contribution to the success of Aaliyah and Blackground. Our prayers go out to all the families.
The Virgin Records Statement:
The worldwide Virgin family is devastated by the news of this terrible and tragic accident and our hearts and thoughts go out to all those families who lost loved ones.
Aaliyah, one of the world's brightest and most talented stars, will be mourned by all who loved her and loved her music. Her depth and versatility as an artist was matched by the passion and devotion she had for her craft.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Virgin staff member Doug Kratz. Doug was an extremely dedicated and talented professional, whose enthusiasm, energy and spirit will be missed by everyone who worked alongside him everyday.
# # #
The Blackground Family would like to thank everyone for their support during this extremely difficult time. Aaliyah's fans and admirers meant the world to her and it's no less apparent that she meant the world to them. We truly thank you for your outpouring of love and affection for all of those who were so dear to our hearts.
# # #
Please send flowers and floral arrangements to:
The Trump International Hotel
1 Central Park West
New York, NY 10023
Attn.: Diane Haughton
Please send letters and cards to:
Aaliyah Memorial
101 West 23rd Street
Suite 2342
New York, NY 10011
Aaliyah Memorial Fund
In accordance with the Haughton Family wishes, the fund listed below has been set up in Aaliyah's name.
Aaliyah Memorial Fund C/O Entertainment Industry Foundation
11132 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 401
Studio city, CA 91604
Attention: Merrily Newton
p. 818.760.7722
f. 818.760.7898
e. mnewton@eifoundation.org
As Aaliyah was committed to breast cancer charities, the fund will benefit the following organizations:
Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Harlem, The National Breast Cancer Coalition in Washington DC and the Revlon/UCLA Breast Cancer Center.
The National Alzheimers Association in Chicago
The Alzheimers Association of Los Angeles
All of the beneficiaries are part of the upcoming charitable event, "Breathe", at which Aaliyah was slated to appear on October 27th.
Donation checks can be sent directly. Donors wishing to use credit cards should please contact Merrily via phone, fax or email.
All Donations are 100% tax deductable.
The Tax ID number is 95-1644609.
Cards will be sent to the family notifying them of donations made.
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