Gwen Stefani
Biography
Gwen Renée Stefani, born on October 3, 1969, in Fullerton, California, is a prominent American singer, songwriter, and fashion designer. She rose to fame in the 1990s as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the band No Doubt, which blended ska-punk and new wave influences. The band's 1995 album, Tragic Kingdom, became a massive success, propelling them into the global spotlight with hits like "Just a Girl," "Spiderwebs," and the chart-topping ballad "Don't Speak".
No Doubt
Gwen's brother, Eric Stefani, invited her to join No Doubt as a co-vocalist in 1986. Following the tragic suicide of original lead singer John Spence in 1987, Gwen stepped into the role of lead singer. The band's self-titled debut album in 1992 had a ska-pop sound that struggled to gain traction in the grunge-dominated music scene of the time. However, their third album, Tragic Kingdom (1995), achieved monumental success, selling over 16 million copies worldwide and earning them Grammy nominations. The band went on to release more successful albums, including Return of Saturn (2000) and the Grammy-winning Rock Steady (2001), which featured hits like "Hey Baby" and "Underneath It All". After a hiatus, the band reunited for a tour in 2009 and released their album Push and Shove in 2012.
Solo Career
During No Doubt's hiatus, Stefani launched a successful solo career in 2004 with the release of her debut album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Influenced by 1980s pop and new wave, the album was a critical and commercial triumph, featuring hit singles like "What You Waiting For?", "Rich Girl," and the No. 1 hit "Hollaback Girl". Her second solo album, The Sweet Escape (2006), continued her success with the popular title track featuring Akon. In 2016, she released her third solo album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, which was inspired by her personal life. She has also released a Christmas album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas (2017), and her fifth studio album, Bouquet, was released in 2024.
Collaborations and Other Ventures
Throughout her career, Stefani has collaborated with numerous artists, including Moby on "South Side" and Eve on the Grammy-winning "Let Me Blow Ya Mind". She has also released several successful duets with her husband, country singer Blake Shelton, such as "Nobody but You" and "Happy Anywhere".
Fashion and Other Ventures
Recognized as a style icon, Gwen Stefani launched her own fashion line, L.A.M.B., in 2003. The brand, an acronym for her debut solo album, initially started with a handbag collaboration and expanded into apparel, shoes, and accessories. She later launched other lines, including Harajuku Lovers, inspired by Japanese street style, and a more accessible line called gx by Gwen Stefani. In 2022, she launched her makeup line, GXVE Beauty.
The Voice
Stefani has also gained a new generation of fans as a coach on the NBC reality singing competition, The Voice. She first joined the show in 2014 for its seventh season, where she met her future husband, Blake Shelton. She has served as a coach for multiple seasons, bringing her industry experience and mentorship to aspiring artists.
Personal Life
Gwen Stefani was married to musician Gavin Rossdale, the frontman of the band Bush, from 2002 to 2016. They have three sons together: Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo. In 2015, Stefani and Shelton began dating, and they married in July 2021.
Awards and Recognition
Gwen Stefani's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades. She has won three Grammy Awards, both as a solo artist and with No Doubt. She has also received an American Music Award, a Brit Award, and two Billboard Music Awards. In 2023, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.