Lana Del Rey

ABOUT

Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant on June 21, 1985, in New York City, is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter renowned for her unique fusion of nostalgia, evocative lyricism, and cinematic quality. Her music seamlessly blends elements from various genres, including indie pop, dream pop, and rock, creating an ethereal landscape that has captivated millions worldwide. Del Rey's melancholic tones and introspective themes often explore tragic romance, glamour, and melancholy, with a vocal style deeply rooted in the genres of blues, jazz, and Americana.

BEFORE FAME

Before the world came to know her as Lana Del Rey, Elizabeth Grant pursued a vastly different path. Raised in Lake Placid, a small town in upstate New York, her early life was steeped in academia rather than the arts. She attended Kent School in Connecticut and later enrolled at Fordham University in New York City, where she studied philosophy, with a focus on metaphysics. During her college years, she started performing in clubs around the city under various stage names, such as Lizzy Grant and Sparkle Jump Rope Queen. Her breakthrough came in 2011 with the viral success of her single "Video Games," which showcased her distinctive voice and artistic direction.

TRIVIA

• Lana Del Rey's stage name is a combination of the late actress Lana Turner and the Ford Del Rey, a car from the 1980s.
• Del Rey has cited a diverse range of musical influences, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Dylan, as well as more contemporary artists like Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse.
• Her music videos are often noted for their vintage aesthetics, drawing heavily from mid-20th-century Americana and noir cinema.
• Del Rey's first major label album, "Born to Die" (2012), achieved critical and commercial success, solidifying her status as a modern pop icon. The album reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
• She has received numerous awards and nominations, including Grammy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song with "Young and Beautiful" from the "The Great Gatsby" soundtrack.

FAMILY LIFE

Lana Del Rey comes from a close-knit family. Her father, Rob Grant, is a domain investor, and her mother, Patricia Ann Hill, was a schoolteacher. She has two younger siblings, Caroline (Chuck) Grant, a photographer known for capturing many of Del Rey's most iconic images, and Charlie Grant, who tends to stay out of the public eye. Del Rey has often spoken about the impact of her family's support on her career and creative endeavors.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Lana Del Rey has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, further highlighting her versatility and expansive appeal. She has worked with Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande on the song "Don't Call Me Angel" for the "Charlie's Angels" soundtrack. Renowned producers and musicians like Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, and the late Leonard Cohen have also been associated with her musical projects. Del Rey's influence extends beyond music, with connections in the fashion and film industries, thanks to her distinct artistic vision and iconic style.