15 Things You May Not Know About Lana Del Rey

In honor of Lana Del Rey‘s 26th birthday today, I’ve complied a list of 15 facts that you may or many not have known about the “Born To Die” singer. This was really interesting to write. I never knew most of this stuff and it sort of gives you a better look into her lyrics. Enjoy and don’t forget to wish Lana a Happy Birthday on her Twitter or Facebook page!

1. She was born on June 21, 1986.

2. Her birth name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant.

3. She was raised in Lake Placid, NY.

4. At 15, she was sent to boarding school in Connecticut.

5. She moved to New York City when she was 18 to study metaphysics at Fordham University.

6. She began performing in clubs around the city under various names, including her birth name Lizzy Grant, as well as Sparkle Rope Jump Queen and Lizzy Grant and the Phenomena.

7. At age 20, she signed a record contract and moved into a trailer park outside of NYC. The album she recorded was later shelved which caused her to lose her focus. Instead she began to work in community service.

8. She decided to change her stage name to Lana Del Rey and in October 2011, signed a joint record deal with Interscope Records and Polydor.

9. Released “Video Games” in June 2011 along with a video for the song in August 2011. She never expected it to take off as it did.

10. “Video Games” had over 20 million YouTube views in its first 5 months.

11. She describes her style as “Gangster Nancy Sinatra” and “Lolita got lost in the hood.” (Hahah love that.)

12. On her stage name: “I wanted a name I could shape the music toward. I was going to Miami quite a lot at the time, speaking a lot of Spanish with my friends from Cuba – Lana Del Rey reminded us of the glamour of the seaside. It sounded gorgeous coming off the tip of the tongue.”

13. She has said in Vogue that she may not release a second album, stating: “Oh, I don’t think I’ll write another record. What would I say? I feel like everything I wanted to say, I’ve already said.” (I hope not! We need to hear more!)

14. One of her stage names was May Jailer.

15. Her next single is scheduled to be “National Anthem” and the video will be released in the coming weeks. (Perfect for the Fourth of July!)

Which of these facts surprised you?