Gwen Stefani

Gwen Renee Stefani was born October 3, 1969, in Orange County, California. Growing up in Southern California with brothers Todd and Eric, Gwen was highly influenced by the rising popularity of ska and punk that was making its presence felt in the So Cal area.

Gwen's brother Eric started the band No Doubt with his friend John Spence in 1987, and asked the always effervescent Gwen to join on as co-vocalist with Spence. The band gained local popularity across Orange County. But the party was over when Spence committed suicide in 1987, which left Gwen to move up the ranks to lead vocalist. The show must go on, and it did, as No Doubt continued to perform in local gigs. In the meantime, Gwen had graduated high school, and followed up her studies at Cal State Fullerton College.

No Doubt's first wide release album, 1995's “Tragic Kingdom,” sold approximately 15 million copies, an incredible accomplishment that included a stint at No. 1 on the Billboard charts in late 1996. “Don't Speak” was a massive worldwide smash, which garnered No Doubt, and Gwen Stefani in particular, a lot of press. After riding the wave of Tragic Kingdom's incredible success, No Doubt released “Return of Saturn” in 2000, which spawned hits like “Ex-Girlfriend” and “Simple Kind Of Life.” But they exploded in 2001 once “Rock Steady” hit store shelves.  In addition to millions of album sales, they were rewarded with two Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal Grammys, for “Hey Baby” and “Underneath It All.”

In the meantime, Gwen made time to exchange wedding vows with her long-time boyfriend, Bush front man Gavin Rossdale, on September 14, 2002, in London. Always a fashion icon, she also launched her own fashion and accessory label, L.A.M.B.  After a lot of talk of Gwen going solo, she finally released her solo debut in 2004, called “Love. Angel. Music. Baby,” which is what “L.A.M.B.” stands for.

10k+ Emily Published 1/8/08   Message Add to Friends

 

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