Lana Del Rey is now a top singer-songwriter in the United States having sold 19 million albums and 13 million singles worldwide, but who she was before fame may surprise you. Known for her themes of tragic romance and glamor and references to the 1950’s and 1960’s Americana, Del Rey’s music and writing are unique in both the music and cinematic world. Her style and artistry are influenced by many performers, such as Frank Sinatra and Amy Winehouse, as well as films including The Godfather and American Beauty.
Like any rising star, Del Rey has had her share of difficulties but embraced the challenges laid before her and saw her talent as special. Her expansive vocal range and emotional delivery have stunned audiences since her early days and with more confidence now more than ever, her true self can shine on stage like the star she is. Her stage name came about from a number of things. Lana was inspired by the actress Lana Turner, who was a film star in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Del Rey is partly from Ford Del Rey, a midsized car produced in Brazil. By combining the two, Del Rey would have her stage name that has stuck even into her stardom.
Early Years
Lana Del Rey is actually named Elizabeth Woolridge by birth. She grew up in upstate New York and while she struggled in school at a young age, she would eventually end up in Long Island with her extended relatives. It was there that she learned the guitar and began to perform locally under names like “Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena”. Although music would eventually become her passion, Del Rey continued her education at Fordham University and studied philosophy. Despite her studies, Del Rey continued to write songs and record her own tracks. Something in Del Rey kept punching away at that burning desire to create and share her feelings with the world and soon enough that determination would pay off.
Big Break
While performing in college, she met a representative from an independent label named Van Wilson who offered her a $10,000 recording contract. She used the money to move to a trailer park and continued her studies at Fordham, where under the guidance of a producer, would release songs. Her father helped her market the album but when nothing seemed to happen, she took the situation for what it was and moved to London. While not much happened overseas, she was featured at an MTV Unplugged concert in Berlin.
Her big break came in 2012 with her second studio album Born to Die after she signed a joint deal with two record companies. The album reached number one in eleven countries, and although critics were torn on their thoughts about the album, her name was out there and people began to ask who Lana Del Rey was. That same year would see another album hit high marks and Del Rey saw the award nominations, critical success, and movie soundtrack opportunities come rolling in. Her song “Young and Beautiful” was featured on the soundtrack of the 2013 film The Great Gatsby and would become her first American top ten hit.
Image and Impact
Del Rey has always been conscious of her image and although controversy has came about in her post-fame life, she has handled it with ease. As she had influences when she was a rising star, she has paid it forward and is credited with being a role model for stars like The Weeknd and Billie Eilish. Even Bruce Springsteen has hailed Del Rey as one of the best songwriters for her ability to create her own world and invite you in. Despite a tumultuous and slow beginning, Del Rey remained strong and her fame is now a direct result of her passion fueled by her talent.
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