Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, known professionally as Lana Del Rey, is an American singer-songwriter born in New York City on June 21, 1985. Raised in Lake Placid, New York, she moved to New York City in 2005 to pursue her music career. Her early years included recording a demo album titled "Sirens" under the name May Jailer and releasing an EP "Kill Kill" in 2008 as Lizzy Grant. In 2010, she released her first studio album, "Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant," which was briefly available on iTunes before being withdrawn.
Breakthrough with "Born to Die"
Lana Del Rey's major breakthrough came in 2011 with the viral success of her single "Video Games". This led to a record deal and the release of her second studio album, "Born to Die," in 2012. The album, featuring a cinematic and melancholic pop sound with references to 1950s and 1960s Americana, achieved massive international success. It included singles like "Born to Die," "Blue Jeans," and the hit "Summertime Sadness". "Born to Die" became the fifth best-selling album of 2012 worldwide.
Musical Style and Themes
Lana Del Rey's music is noted for its cinematic quality, blending elements of pop, rock, and vintage styles. Her work often explores themes of tragic romance, glamour, and melancholia, with frequent references to American pop culture of the mid-20th century. She is known for creating a distinct persona that draws on icons like Marilyn Monroe and Priscilla Presley. Her musical style has been described as baroque pop, dream pop, and trip-hop. Her lyrics often tell stories of love, heartbreak, and the darker side of fame.
Subsequent Albums and Career Evolution
Following her initial success, Del Rey has released a series of critically and commercially successful albums. Her third album, "Ultraviolence" (2014), became her first to debut at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. This was followed by "Honeymoon" (2015) and "Lust for Life" (2017), which featured her first collaborations with other artists. In 2019, she released the critically acclaimed "Norman Fucking Rockwell!", which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Her later albums include "Chemtrails over the Country Club" (2021), "Blue Banisters" (2021), and "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" (2023). She has also published a book of poetry titled "Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass" (2020).
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Lana Del Rey has received numerous accolades. She has won multiple Brit Awards, including for International Breakthrough Act and International Female Solo Artist. She also has three MTV Europe Music Awards and two Billboard Women in Music awards. While she has been nominated for eleven Grammy Awards, she has not yet won. Her work has been recognized with an Ivor Novello Award for "Video Games" and a Satellite Award for "Young and Beautiful" from the soundtrack of "The Great Gatsby".