Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani was born Gwen Renee Stefani on the 3rd of October, 1969, in Fullerton, California. She was raised in a Roman Catholic household. Her Dennis Stefani works as a Yamaha marketing executive and her mother Patti Flynn worked as accountant and later became a homemaker. She has an older brother named Eric, a younger sister named Jill and a younger brother named Todd.

As a child, Gwen was interested in listening to musicals such as The Sound of Music and Evita. She was also a member of the swimming team in her school. While at high school, she worked at Dairy Queen and at the makeup counter of a local departmental store.






Gwen began her music career about the same time as she began her college education. Her brother Eric was the keyboardist for the band ‘No Doubt’ and in 1986 he invited her to sing the backup vocals for their band. In 1992 they released their debut album called ‘No Doubt’. It was not very popular. In 1995, the band released two more albums ‘The Beacon Street Collection’ and ‘Tragic Kingdom’. It was during this time that Gwen’s forte as a songwriter began to bloom. Singles such as "Don’t Speak" and "Hey You" from the Tragic Kingdom album topped the charts. The album sold sixteen million copies and was nominated many times for the Grammy Awards.

In the year 2000, the band released the album ‘Return of Saturn’ which contains songs that talk about Gwen’s personal insecurities about relationships and having a baby. Their 2001 release called ‘Rock Steady’ received rave reviews from critics worldwide. They also released an album called ‘The Singles 1992-2003’ which had moderate sales. The band is now working on another album.







In 2004, Gwen began to explore a solo career. She released her album ‘Love.Angel.Music.Baby’ where she has collaborated with several artists including Linda Perry and The Neptunes. The album sold well and remained on the top of the charts across the globe. In 2005, Gwen was nominated for the Best Female Pop Vocal Performer in the Grammy Awards and in 2006 she received at least five different nominations at the Grammy Awards for this album.

The song "Hollaback Girl" from her album Love.Music.Angel.Baby was the first U.S. Digital Download to sell more than a million copies legally.

In 2006, she released ‘The Sweet Escape’ another solo album where she re-connected with Kanal and The Neptunes.

Along with her musical career, Gwen Stefani also launched a couture line named after her first solo album and aptly called L.A.M.B. which became quite popular with several Hollywood stars. She has also created another line called the Harajuku Lovers line which has a varied product base including cameras, baby clothes, and mobile phone charms.

In 2004, she has also debuted in the biopic ‘The Aviator’ playing the role of Jean Harlow. She has also lent her voice to the character of Malice in a popular PS2 and Xbox game. But the company decided not to go ahead with it.




Gwen Stefani’s career has been highlighted with her unique appearance. She is well known for her midriff and frequently exposes it. She wears bright, attractive clothing that emphasizes her bodyline. With her dyed-platinum-blonde hair (she is a natural brunette) and light face powder, arched eyebrows and bright pink lipstick she oozes charisma and charm. She has often dyed her hair pink and blue.





Gwen had a crush on the No Doubt band member Tony Kanal. Initially he resisted asking her out since her brother was also a band member. But they eventually began dating each other in the 1990s. Kamal eventually ended the relationship stating that he needed more ‘space’.

In 1995, she met Gavin Rossdale, a guitarist and lead singer for Bush at a ‘No Doubt’ concert. They began a long distance relationship which eventually culminated in marriage in 2002.

Their marriage hit a rough spot in 2004 when it was discovered that Gavin had a daughter with Pearl Lowe, one of Gavin’s old flings. Although Gavin himself did not know about this, Gwen was devastated and angry. In 2006, Gavin and Gwen had their son Kingston James McGregor Rossdale. Gwen also plans on having another baby soon.






Gwen Stefani’s solo career has been marked by severe criticism about her use of the four Harajuku Girls in her on-stage entourage. She has been criticized for creating a show which reinforces a stereotype of ethnic Asian women and that such a display is racist. The girls are also under strict contract obligations which forbid them to speak although they are fluent in English. However, Gwen thinks that these girls are a part of an awesome and fascinating culture.