35 Facts About Lana Del Rey

Early Life and Background

Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, has captivated millions with her unique voice and melancholic tunes. Her journey to stardom is filled with intriguing details.

1. Born on June 21, 1985, in New York City, she grew up in Lake Placid, a small town in upstate New York.
2. Her stage name, Lana Del Rey, was inspired by the glamour of the old Hollywood actress Lana Turner and the Ford Del Rey car.
3. She attended Fordham University, where she studied philosophy with a focus on metaphysics.
4. Before her music career took off, she worked various odd jobs, including waitressing and living in a trailer park.

Musical Beginnings

Lana's path to fame wasn't straightforward. Her early music career had its share of struggles and transformations.

5. Her first album, "Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant," was released in 2010 but was pulled from circulation shortly after.
6. She initially performed under the name Lizzy Grant before adopting her now-famous moniker.
7. Her breakthrough came with the viral success of her single "Video Games" in 2011.
8. She describes her music as "Hollywood sadcore," blending cinematic soundscapes with melancholic themes.

Influences and Inspirations

Lana's music is rich with references and influences from various artists and genres.

9. She cites Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Amy Winehouse as major influences.
10. Her music often incorporates elements of 1950s and 1960s Americana.
11. She has a deep appreciation for poetry, particularly the works of Walt Whitman and Allen Ginsberg.
12. Her song "Brooklyn Baby" references her relationship with Barrie-James O'Neill, a Scottish singer-songwriter.

Albums and Achievements

Lana Del Rey's discography is impressive, with numerous critically acclaimed albums and awards.

13. Her second album, "Born to Die," released in 2012, was a commercial success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide.
14. The album's single "Summertime Sadness" became a sleeper hit, especially after a remix by Cedric Gervais.
15. Her third album, "Ultraviolence," debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2014.
16. She has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for "Norman Fucking Rockwell!" in 2020.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her music, Lana's personal life and interests add layers to her public persona.

17. She has a tattoo on her right hand that reads "paradise."
18. Lana is known for her love of vintage fashion, often sporting looks inspired by the 1960s and 1970s.
19. She has a strong interest in visual arts and often collaborates on the direction of her music videos.
20. Lana is an avid reader and has expressed interest in writing a book of poetry.

Controversies and Criticisms

Like many artists, Lana has faced her share of controversies and criticisms throughout her career.

21. She has been criticized for her perceived glamorization of unhealthy relationships and substance abuse in her lyrics.
22. In 2014, she faced backlash for saying she wished she was "dead already" in an interview, which she later clarified was taken out of context.
23. Her 2020 Instagram post defending her lyrical content sparked debates about feminism and race.
24. Despite controversies, she maintains a loyal fanbase and continues to influence new artists.

Collaborations and Side Projects

Lana's collaborations and side projects showcase her versatility and willingness to experiment.

25. She has collaborated with artists like The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, and Stevie Nicks.
26. In 2018, she contributed to the soundtrack of the film "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark."
27. Lana has expressed interest in acting and has appeared in short films and music videos.
28. She has worked with producers like Rick Nowels and Jack Antonoff, who have helped shape her sound.

Philanthropy and Activism

Lana Del Rey is also known for her philanthropic efforts and activism.

29. She donated $350,000 to provide clean water to the Navajo Nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
30. Lana has supported various environmental causes, including the protection of the California coastline.
31. She has spoken out about mental health issues and the importance of seeking help.
32. In 2020, she announced that she would be establishing a scholarship fund for underprivileged students.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

There are many quirky and lesser-known facts about Lana that fans might find interesting.

33. She once lived in a trailer park in New Jersey while trying to make it in the music industry.
34. Lana's favorite color is blue, which she often references in her songs.
35. She has a pet cat named Cleopatra, who occasionally makes appearances on her social media.

Lana Del Rey's Fascinating World

Lana Del Rey's life and career are full of intriguing details. From her unique voice to her poetic lyrics, she has carved out a special place in the music industry. Her real name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, and she started her career performing in clubs in New York City. Lana's breakthrough came with the release of "Video Games" in 2011, which quickly went viral. She has a passion for vintage aesthetics, often drawing inspiration from the 1950s and 1960s. Lana's music videos are known for their cinematic quality, often featuring themes of nostalgia and melancholy. Beyond music, she has also ventured into poetry, publishing a collection titled "Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass." Lana Del Rey continues to captivate audiences with her artistic vision and emotional depth, making her a truly remarkable artist.