Priscilla (a Veronica Lake fan from the USA and contributor) sent me an email to mention that:
I did a little looking around on this subject and I did come up with a few other references to that fact that she would commonly use the name Veronica Lake to sign in with and was used within the industry to cover her movements from the invasive press.
I used to wonder if she used the name for herself or it was chosen for her and if there was any personal reason for the choice.. it could even just been just coincidence but its another piece to add to the Lake legend.
She also did a fair number of photo-shoots with the classic Peek-a-boo Bang look, which has become something of a staple for photography industry.
Full Name: Aaliyah Dana Haughton
Born: 16th January 1979. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York
Died: August 25, 2001
Aaliyah’s career began at a young age when she appeared on the TV show "Star Search" and performed alongside Gladys Knight, her aunt by marriage at the time. At the age of 12, she signed with Jive Records and her uncle Barry Hankerson’s Blackground Records.
Aaliyah’s debut album, "Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number," was released in 1994 when she was just 15 years old. Produced by R. Kelly, the album was a commercial success, spurred by hit singles like "Back & Forth" and the title track.
Her follow-up album, "One in a Million" (1996), marked a significant evolution in her career. Produced by Timbaland and written by Missy Elliott, among others, the album showcased a more mature and innovative sound that fused R&B with hip hop and pop elements. Hits from this album, including "If Your Girl Only Knew" and "4 Page Letter," solidified Aaliyah’s position in the music industry.
Aaliyah transitioned into acting, making her film debut in "Romeo Must Die" (2000), a movie for which she also contributed to the soundtrack. Her most notable single from this soundtrack, "Try Again," became a huge hit. She further expanded her acting career with roles in "Queen of the Damned" and the completed portions of "The Matrix" sequels before her untimely death.
Her third and final album, "Aaliyah," was released in July 2001 and included hits like "We Need a Resolution," "More Than a Woman," and "Rock the Boat." The album demonstrated her growth as an artist and her potential for future cross-genre success.
Aaliyah’s life and rising career were tragically cut short when she died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, in the Bahamas, returning from filming the music video for "Rock the Boat." The small aircraft, overloaded and carrying one more passenger than it was certified for, crashed shortly after take-off, killing all on board.
Aaliyah’s impact on music and culture endures. Her sophisticated style, innovative music videos, and pioneering sound continue to influence artists across various genres. Despite her brief career, Aaliyah’s legacy as the "Princess of R&B" and an icon of the 1990s and early 2000s remains undeniable.
