History of Lana Del Rey in Timeline
Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, is a celebrated American singer-songwriter known for her emotionally evocative music. Her work often explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, blending cinematic soundscapes with references to classic Americana and modern pop culture. Her distinctive vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of Hollywood's golden age, is prominently featured in her music videos. Del Rey's significant cultural impact is evident in her numerous awards, including MTV Video Music Awards, Brit Awards, and Billboard Women in Music Awards, alongside nominations for Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe. Critically acclaimed, she has been recognized by Variety as a leading singer-songwriter of the 21st century and by Rolling Stone as one of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
1962: Release of "Lolita"
The film "Lolita" was released in 1962, which Del Rey draws inspiration from.
June 21, 1985: Birth of Elizabeth Woolridge Grant
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, known professionally as Lana Del Rey, was born on June 21, 1985. She would grow up to become an influential American singer and songwriter, noted for her cinematic music and exploration of themes such as tragic romance and glamour.
1997: Release of "Lolita" Remake
A remake of the film "Lolita" was released in 1997.
2004: Enrollment at Fordham University
In the fall of 2004, at age 19, Lana Del Rey enrolled at Fordham University in The Bronx, New York City, where she majored in philosophy with an emphasis on metaphysics. She chose the subject to explore the connection between God and science.
2005: Move to New York City
In 2005, Lana Del Rey moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. This move marked the beginning of her journey in the music industry, where she would eventually achieve significant success.
2005: First Extended Play Registration
In the spring of 2005, while still in college, Lana Del Rey registered a seven-track extended play with the United States Copyright Office under the titles 'Rock Me Stable' and 'Young Like Me.'
2006: Recording of 'Sirens'
Between 2005 and 2006, Lana Del Rey recorded an acoustic album titled 'Sirens' under the name May Jailer. The album leaked on the internet in mid-2012.
2006: First Public Performance
In 2006, Lana Del Rey had her first public performance at the Williamsburg Live Songwriting Competition, where she met Van Wilson, an A&R representative for 5 Points Records.
2007: Recording Contract with 5 Points Records
In 2007, while a senior at Fordham, Lana Del Rey submitted a demo tape to 5 Points Records and was offered a recording contract for $10,000. She relocated to a trailer park in North Bergen, New Jersey, and began working with producer David Kahne.
2008: Graduation and Release of 'Kill Kill'
Lana Del Rey graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 2008. She also released a three-track EP, 'Kill Kill,' as Lizzy Grant, featuring production by David Kahne.
2008: Early Career as Lizzy Grant
In 2008, Lana Del Rey performed and posted music videos on YouTube under the name Lizzy Grant, establishing an early presence in the music scene.
2009: Defense Against Fabricated Image Allegations
In 2009, Tony Simon, a producer who had worked with Lana Del Rey, defended her against claims that her image was manufactured by her label, emphasizing her authenticity.
January 2010: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album
In January 2010, Lana Del Rey released her self-titled debut album under the name Lana Del Ray. The album was available for purchase on iTunes for a brief period before being withdrawn in April 2010.
April 2010: Reacquiring Rights to Debut Album
In April 2010, Del Rey regained control of her 2010 debut album after parting ways with her previous record label and producer. This decision aimed to re-release the album later under new terms.
April 2010: Withdrawal of Debut Album
In April 2010, Lana Del Rey's self-titled debut album was withdrawn from iTunes. She bought the rights back from 5 Points Records to stifle future opportunities to distribute it.
September 1, 2010: Featured in Mando Diao's MTV Unplugged Concert
On September 1, 2010, Lana Del Rey was featured by Mando Diao in its MTV Unplugged concert at Union Film-Studios in Berlin. In the same year, she acted in a short film, 'Poolside,' which she made with several friends.
October 2011: Breakthrough with "Video Games" and Award Recognition
In October 2011, Del Rey's self-made music video for "Video Games" went viral, leading to a record deal and critical acclaim. She was recognized as "Next Big Thing" by Q magazine and won an Ivor Novello award for "Best Contemporary Song" in 2012.
2011: Breakthrough with 'Video Games'
Lana Del Rey's breakthrough came in 2011 with the viral success of her single 'Video Games.' Following this success, she signed a recording contract with Polydor and Interscope, propelling her into the mainstream music scene.
January 14, 2012: "SNL" Performance and Public Scrutiny
On January 14, 2012, Del Rey performed two songs from "Born to Die" on "Saturday Night Live," receiving negative feedback from critics and the public who found her performance underwhelming. She defended her appearance, stating her musical credibility and experience.
January 31, 2012: Release of "Born to Die" and Commercial Success
Del Rey's second album, "Born to Die," was released globally on January 31, 2012. It topped charts in 11 countries and achieved significant commercial success, although critical reception was mixed.
September 2012: Jaguar Collaboration and "Blue Velvet" Cover
In September 2012, Del Rey partnered with Jaguar, unveiling their F-Type model and recording "Burning Desire" for their promotional campaign. She also released a cover of "Blue Velvet" for H&M's autumn collection.
October 10, 2012: "Ride" Music Video Premiere and Controversy
On October 10, 2012, Del Rey premiered the music video for "Ride" in Santa Monica, California. However, the video sparked criticism and controversy, with some accusing it of glamorizing prostitution and portraying antifeminist themes.
November 12, 2012: Release of "Paradise" EP and Critical Acclaim
Del Rey released "Paradise" on November 12, 2012, as both a standalone EP and a companion to "Born to Die." This release was a commercial success and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.
2012: Leak of 'Sirens'
In mid-2012, Lana Del Rey's acoustic album 'Sirens,' recorded under the name May Jailer, leaked on the internet.
2012: Release of "Born to Die" and Scrutiny of Public Image
In 2012, Lana Del Rey's debut album "Born to Die" was released. The week prior, articles were written discussing the difference in Del Rey's image compared to 2008 when she performed under Lizzy Grant.
2012: Release of 'Born to Die'
In 2012, Lana Del Rey released her major label debut album, 'Born to Die.' The album achieved critical and commercial success, featuring the sleeper hit 'Summertime Sadness' and becoming her first of six number-one albums in the UK.
2012: Early Music Videos and Personas
In 2012, Lana Del Rey's music videos, including "Born to Die" and "National Anthem," gained recognition for their cinematic quality and retro flair, often featuring her personas like "bad girl" and "gangster Nancy Sinatra."
February 2013: Brit Awards and Echo Awards Recognition
Del Rey's achievements continued in early 2013, winning the International Female Solo Artist award at the Brit Awards and two Echo Awards in Germany, solidifying her international recognition.
May 2013: "Young and Beautiful" for "The Great Gatsby" Soundtrack
In May 2013, Del Rey contributed "Young and Beautiful" to the soundtrack of "The Great Gatsby" film adaptation. While initially successful, its radio promotion was cut short. The song later received a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
June 2013: Filming of "Tropico"
Del Rey filmed the musical short film "Tropico" in June 2013, directed by Anthony Mandler.
July 2, 2013: Success of "Summertime Sadness" Remix
A remix of Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness" by Cedric Gervais was released on July 2, 2013. This remix gained significant traction, becoming a commercial success, reaching the top ten on Billboard charts, and earning a Grammy Award.
December 4, 2013: Premiere of "Tropico" Short Film
On December 4, 2013, Del Rey premiered "Tropico," a short film set to music from "Paradise," at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, expanding her artistic expression beyond traditional music videos.
2013: Release of "Young and Beautiful" Music Video
In 2013, Lana Del Rey released the music video for "Young and Beautiful," continuing her trend of high-budget productions with a cinematic and retro aesthetic.
2013: Soundtrack Contributions and 'Tropico'
In 2013, Lana Del Rey wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed musical short, 'Tropico,' and released the song 'Young and Beautiful' for the romantic drama 'The Great Gatsby.' The song was highly praised by critics and received Grammy and Critics' Choice Award nominations.
January 26, 2014: Release of "Once Upon a Dream" Cover
Del Rey released her rendition of "Once Upon a Dream" on January 26, 2014, for the film "Maleficent," showcasing her versatility in interpreting classic songs.
June 13, 2014: Release of "Ultraviolence" and Critical Acclaim
On June 13, 2014, Del Rey released "Ultraviolence," her fourth studio album, which topped charts in 12 countries. The album, known for its darker themes and rock influences, was a commercial and critical success.
2014: Release of 'Ultraviolence'
Lana Del Rey released her third studio album, 'Ultraviolence,' in 2014. The album featured greater use of guitar-driven instrumentation and debuted atop the U.S. Billboard 200, further cementing her status in the music industry.
2014: Founding of DigDeep
George McGraw founded the Los Angeles-based non-profit organization, DigDeep, in 2014.
2014: Roy Train's Concert Review
In 2014, Roy Train for The Hollywood Reporter reviewed a Lana Del Rey concert, noting a sense of distance and chill in her stage presence despite her attempts at engaging with the audience.
2014: Comments on Feminism and Personal Interests
In 2014, Lana Del Rey sparked debate by stating that she found feminism uninteresting and expressed a greater fascination with science and technology, particularly SpaceX and Tesla.
2014: Soundtrack Contributions for 'Maleficent' and 'Big Eyes'
In 2014, Lana Del Rey recorded the song 'Once Upon a Dream' for the dark fantasy film 'Maleficent' and the theme song for the biopic 'Big Eyes,' which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
2014: End of Relationship with Barrie-James O'Neill
In 2014, Del Rey's three-year relationship with Scottish singer Barrie-James O'Neill ended.
May 2015: The Endless Summer Tour
Del Rey embarked on "The Endless Summer Tour" in May 2015, with Courtney Love and Grimes as supporting acts.
August 28, 2015: Collaboration with The Weeknd on "Beauty Behind the Madness"
On August 28, 2015, The Weeknd released his album "Beauty Behind the Madness," which featured Del Rey on the track "Prisoner."
September 18, 2015: Release of "Honeymoon" to Critical Acclaim
Del Rey's fourth studio album, "Honeymoon," was released on September 18, 2015, receiving positive reviews from critics.
November 2015: End of Relationship with Francesco Carrozzini
Del Rey's relationship with photographer Francesco Carrozzini, which began after he directed her "Ultraviolence" music video, ended in November 2015.
November 2015: Support for Daniel Johnston and Award Recognition
In November 2015, Del Rey showed her support for musician Daniel Johnston by executive producing a short film about his life, "Hi, How Are You Daniel Johnston." She also covered his song "Some Things Last a Long Time." In the same month, she was honored with the Trailblazer Award at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony and won Best Alternative at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
2015: Release of 'Honeymoon'
In 2015, Lana Del Rey released her fourth studio album, 'Honeymoon.' The album saw a return to the stylistic traditions of her earlier releases.
February 9, 2016: Premiere of 'Freak' Music Video
On February 9, 2016, Lana Del Rey premiered the music video for her song 'Freak' from the album Honeymoon at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.
July 21, 2017: Release of 'Lust for Life' Album
On July 21, 2017, Lana Del Rey released her fifth studio album 'Lust for Life'. The album featured collaborations with artists like The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Stevie Nicks, and Sean Ono Lennon, and marked the first time she included other artists on her own release.
September 2017: The New York Times Concert Review
In September 2017, The New York Times published a concert review praising Lana Del Rey's simple but authentic performance style, likening it to a casual coffee shop performance.
September 27, 2017: Announcement of LA to the Moon Tour
On September 27, 2017, Lana Del Rey announced the LA to the Moon Tour, a concert tour with Jhené Aiko and Kali Uchis to promote her album 'Lust for Life'.
2017: Clarification on Feminist Views
In 2017, Lana Del Rey provided further context to her stance on feminism during an interview with Pitchfork, offering a more nuanced perspective on her previous statements.
2017: Reflections on "Born to Die"
In 2017, Lana Del Rey reflected on her debut album, "Born to Die," acknowledging its raw and unedited nature while admitting that some of its content stemmed from nervousness and a long, arduous journey to releasing her first record.
2017: Release of 'Lust for Life'
Lana Del Rey released her fifth studio album, 'Lust for Life,' in 2017, continuing her exploration of earlier stylistic traditions.
January 2018: Radiohead Lawsuit Over 'Get Free'
In January 2018, Lana Del Rey announced she was involved in a lawsuit with Radiohead over similarities between their song 'Creep' and her song 'Get Free'. The legal representatives from Warner/Chappell denied the lawsuit claims.
2018: Criticism of Kanye West
In 2018, Lana Del Rey criticized Kanye West for his support of former President Donald Trump, expressing her disapproval of his political stance.
July 28, 2019: Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting Benefit
Lana Del Rey released her single, "Looking for America," in response to the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, with proceeds going to benefit the victims of those shootings and the shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival on July 28, 2019.
August 6, 2019: Hollywood Walk of Fame Presentation
On August 6, 2019, Lana Del Rey presented filmmaker Guillermo del Toro with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also released a cover of 'Season of the Witch' for his film, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and the single 'Looking for America'.
August 30, 2019: Release of 'Norman Fucking Rockwell!' Album
On August 30, 2019, Lana Del Rey released her sixth studio album 'Norman Fucking Rockwell!'. The album received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for two Grammy Awards.
November 2019: Face of Gucci's Guilty Fragrances
In November 2019, Lana Del Rey was announced as the face of Gucci's Guilty fragrances and appeared in advertisements with Jared Leto and Courtney Love.
2019: Collaboration on 'Don't Call Me Angel'
In 2019, Lana Del Rey collaborated on the song 'Don't Call Me Angel' for the action comedy film 'Charlie's Angels.'
2019: Release of 'Norman Fucking Rockwell!'
In 2019, Lana Del Rey released her critically acclaimed sixth album, 'Norman Fucking Rockwell!' The album, which explored soft rock, was nominated for Album of the Year at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards and was named one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone.
2019: "Born to Die" Named Among Defining Songs of the 2010s
Billboard recognized "Born to Die" as one of the 100 songs that defined the 2010s in 2019, acknowledging its impact on the shift in pop music's sound.
May 2020: Instagram Controversy and Response to Criticism
In May 2020, Lana Del Rey faced criticism for an Instagram post where she defended herself against accusations of glamorizing abuse and for briefly posting a video of looters during the George Floyd protests.
October 2020: Donation to DigDeep
In October 2020, Lana Del Rey donated $350,000 from the sales of her book "Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass" to DigDeep, a non-profit organization founded in 2014 that provides clean water to the Navajo Nation.
November 2020: Celebrating Joe Biden's Election
Lana Del Rey marked Joe Biden's election as President of the United States in November 2020 by releasing a cover of "On Eagles' Wings."
2020: Support for Me Too and Third-Wave Feminism
In 2020, Lana Del Rey expressed support for the Me Too movement and identified as a feminist, aligning herself with the movement's goals and advocating for a third wave of feminism.
2020: Publication of 'Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass'
In 2020, Lana Del Rey published a poetry and photography collection titled 'Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass.'
January 2021: Criticism of Former President Trump
In January 2021, Lana Del Rey faced backlash for stating that former President Donald Trump "didn't know that he was inciting a riot" due to his "delusions of grandeur."
March 19, 2021: Release of 'Chemtrails over the Country Club' Album
On March 19, 2021, Lana Del Rey released her seventh studio album 'Chemtrails over the Country Club'. The album, produced alongside Jack Antonoff, received critical acclaim.
May 20, 2021: Three Songs Released from "Blue Banisters"
Lana Del Rey released three songs: "Blue Banisters", "Text Book", and "Wildflower Wildfire", from her upcoming album on May 20, 2021.
September 8, 2021: "Arcadia" Release and Music Video
Del Rey released "Arcadia", a single from her upcoming album "Blue Banisters", along with a music video on September 8, 2021.
October 7, 2021: Alternate Music Video for "Arcadia" Released
An alternate music video for "Arcadia" was released on October 7, 2021.
October 20, 2021: Music Video Release for "Blue Banisters"
A music video for the album's title track, "Blue Banisters", was released two days before the album on October 20, 2021.
October 22, 2021: Blue Banisters Released
Lana Del Rey released her eighth studio album, "Blue Banisters", on October 22, 2021.
2021: Release of 'Chemtrails over the Country Club' and 'Blue Banisters'
In 2021, Lana Del Rey released two studio albums: 'Chemtrails over the Country Club' and 'Blue Banisters,' both of which explored Americana.
January 21, 2022: "Watercolor Eyes" Premieres on Euphoria
Del Rey's song "Watercolor Eyes" premiered on an episode of the show "Euphoria" on January 21, 2022.
October 19, 2022: Del Rey's Car Burglarized
On October 19, 2022, Del Rey shared on Instagram that her car had been burglarized, and personal belongings, including a laptop with unreleased music and writings, were stolen.
October 21, 2022: Collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Snow on the Beach"
Del Rey was featured on Taylor Swift's song "Snow on the Beach", from Swift's new album "Midnights", which was released on October 21, 2022. The song became Del Rey's highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100.
December 7, 2022: "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" Single Release
Del Rey released "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" on December 7, 2022, as the lead single for her album of the same name.
2022: Collaboration with Taylor Swift
Lana Del Rey collaborated with Taylor Swift on the song 'Snow on the Beach,' from Swift's tenth studio album 'Midnights' in 2022. The song debuted at number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, marking Del Rey's highest peak on the chart.
2022: Del Rey's Influence Recognized by The Washington Post and Pitchfork
In 2022, Lana Del Rey's significant influence in music was highlighted by prominent publications. The Washington Post featured her as the sole musician on their "Decade of Influence" list, and Pitchfork recognized her as one of the greatest living songwriters in the US. Additionally, New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music introduced a course dedicated to her music, titled "Topics in Recorded Music: Lana Del Rey."
February 14, 2023: "A&W" Release
On Valentine's Day 2023, Del Rey released "A&W", the second single from her upcoming album.
March 14, 2023: "The Grants" Release
Del Rey released "The Grants", the third single from her upcoming album on March 14, 2023.
March 24, 2023: "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" Album Release
Del Rey's ninth studio album, "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd", was released on March 24, 2023.
May 19, 2023: "Say Yes to Heaven" Release
Del Rey released her previously unreleased song, "Say Yes to Heaven", on May 19, 2023, after it was leaked in 2016.
May 26, 2023: Remix of "Snow on the Beach" Release
Taylor Swift released a remix of "Snow on the Beach", with more vocals from Del Rey, on May 26, 2023.
July 20, 2023: Del Rey Works at Waffle House
Del Rey was spotted working at a Waffle House in Florence, Alabama, on July 20, 2023.
October 20, 2023: Feature on Holly Macve's "Suburban House"
Del Rey was featured on Holly Macve's single "Suburban House", released October 20, 2023.
November 10, 2023: Grammy Nominations
On November 10, 2023, Del Rey received five Grammy nominations for the 2024 awards show.
2023: Recognition in 2023
In 2023, Variety honored Lana Del Rey at their Hitmakers Awards, acknowledging her as 'one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century.' In the same year, Rolling Stone included her in their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, and Rolling Stone UK named her The Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st century.
2023: Del Rey's Legacy Cemented with Accolades and Rankings
Lana Del Rey continued to receive significant recognition in 2023. Rolling Stone ranked her at number 175 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, solidifying her place in music history. Further cementing her legacy, Rolling Stone UK named her The Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st century.
2023: Release of 'Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd'
In 2023, Lana Del Rey released her ninth studio album, 'Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.' The album was supported by its title track and the critically acclaimed single 'A&W,' which was named one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone. Later that year, she released the Billboard Global 200 top-20 hit 'Say Yes To Heaven.'
January 31, 2024: "Lasso" Album Announcement
At a Billboard event on January 31, 2024, Del Rey announced her upcoming country album "Lasso", set to be released in September 2024.
February 3, 2024: "Born to Die" Chart Milestone
On February 3, 2024, "Born to Die" marked 520 weeks on the Billboard 200, a milestone only achieved by Adele previously, highlighting its enduring popularity.