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Gwen Stefani Profile |
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Birth Date: October 3, 1969
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Birth Place: Anaheim, California, USA
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Birth Name: Gwendolyn Renee Stefani
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Height: 5'6"
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Biography |
Gwendolyn Renee Stefani was born on October 3, 1969, in
Orange County, California. Growing up with her brothers Todd
and Eric in Southern California, where they were raised by
parents Dennis and Patti, Gwen was highly influenced by the
rising popularity of ska and punk, which were making their
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 in as co-vocalist with Spence. Tony Kanal
joined the group a little later, and the trio began to gain
popularity by playing at local parties.
But the party was over when Spence committed suicide in
1987, which led to Gwen moving up the ranks to lead
vocalist. "The show must go on," and it did, as No Doubt
continued to perform at local gigs. In the meantime, Gwen
had graduated high school and followed up her studies at Cal
State Fullerton College.
Gwen was forced to juggle the band, her studies, as well as
what turned out to be a seven-year romance with fellow band
member, Tony Kanal. In 1989, two new members joined the No
Doubt team: guitarist Tom Dumont and drummer Adrian Young.
Once No Doubt really began attracting a fan base (thanks
mostly to their energetic live performances), Flea, the Red
Hot Chili Peppers' bassist, recorded a demo for the band in
1990, which led to a deal with Interscope Records.
In 1992, the band released their self-titled debut, but
despite the substantial following the band had garnered, the
album was far from a commercial success. Interscope was
losing faith in their potential, but No Doubt's persistence
did not waver.
No Doubt went back into the studio with their own money and
recorded a collection of "extra" songs they had written.
Their sophomore effort, Beacon Street Collection, was
released in 1995, and not only struck a chord with their
devout fans, but also re-sparked Interscope's confidence in
the band.
No Doubt were back in business and returned to the recording
studio with the support of their record company. The fruit
of their effort was the hugely successful Tragic Kingdom,
only this one was sans Eric Stefani, who left to become an
animator on The Simpsons.
1995's Tragic Kingdom broke through the charts with its
debut single "Just A Girl," with the help of the punk-tinged
catchy lyrics and an accompanying colorful video. The album
went on to spawn hits such as "Spiderwebs" and the super
smash hit, "Don't Speak." The latter was written as an ode
to Gwen and Tony's former relationship, and became the
band's biggest smash to date.
The album went on to become a Billboard No. 1, and garnered
two Grammy nominations for the group.
No Doubt's 2000 release, Return of Saturn, spawned the hits
"Ex-Girlfriend" and "Simple Kind of Life." The spunky singer
paired up with Moby to add her infectious voice to his
single, "South Side."
In 2001, No Doubt released Rock Steady and enjoyed some time
on the charts with "Hey Baby" and "Hella Good." They finally
picked up two Grammy Awards, both in the category of "Best
Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal," for "Hey
Baby" and "Underneath It All."
After the "best of" compilation The Singles 1992-2003 was
released in 2003, Gwen proved that she could make it on her
own with her solo debut, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. With hits
like "What You Waiting For?" and "Rich Girl" (featuring Eve,
with whom Gwen had already paired up on the single "Let Me
Blow Ya Mind"), Gwen is a pop goddess.
Dipping her toes into other industries like fashion, with
her clothing and accessory line called L.A.M.B., and movies,
with a bit part in 2004's The Aviator, the future is only
bright for Gwen Stefani.
On a personal note, Gwen married her long-time boyfriend of
more than five years, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, on
September 14, 2002, in London. No doubt about it, the
self-proclaimed Sound of Music fanatic brings a girly yet
powerful spark to the entertainment industry. |
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Other
Information |
Was on her High School swim team.
Lead singer for the band No Doubt.
Met future husband Gavin Rossdale (Bush) in 1996 at a
concert she was playing with her band No Doubt.
Inspired by such musicals as The Sound of Music (1965), and
Annie (1982).
Has one sister, Jill and two brothers, Eric Stefani and Todd
Stefani.
Eric Stefani, her brother, was the keyboardist for No Doubt.
Attended Cal State Fullerton
Has a her own fashion label named L.A.M.B. which goes on
sale in Spring 2004.
According to the April 2004 issue of Vogue, her father
Dennis is Italian and her mother Patti is of Irish and
Scottish descent.
Was voted one of People magazines 50 Most Beautiful People
of 2004.
Arrived an hour late for her wedding.
Many big celebs like Nicky Hilton, Paris Hilton, Carmen
Electra, and Halle Berry have been spotted wearing her
popular bag, and clothing line titled L.A.M.B.
Shares a birthday with singer Ashlee Simpson and former
Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.
Ranked #22 in Stuff magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the
World" (2002).
Her wedding dress was designed by John Galliano.
Friend and collaborator of rapper Eve.
Stepmother of Daisy Lowe, born 1989.
Named Best Dressed Woman in the May 2005 issue of Harpers &
Queen.
Her home was used in a music video for a song from Rufus
Wainwright's debut album.
Sister of Todd Stefani
Is a distant cousin of Madonna. Her great-aunt's
mother-in-law shares the last name with Madonna.
A fashion icon
Had a seven year romantic relationship with the No Doubt
bassist Tony Kanal. Most of the songs on No Doubt's Tragic
Kingdom CD are about on their break up.
Admits that she only had two boyfriends in her life. One is
"No Doubt" band member Tony Kanal, the other one is her
husband Gavin Rossdale.
Is expecting her first child with husband Gavin Rossdale in
June of 2006.
Good friends with Shirley Manson, lead singer of Garbage.
Received two Grammy Awards with No Doubt, for "Best Pop
Performance By Duo Or Group With Vocal" in 2002 ("Hey Baby")
and 2003 ("Underneath It All").
Received five Grammy Awards nominations as solo artist on 8
December 2005: Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Female Pop
Performance, Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year and Best
Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Stepmother of Gavin Rossdale's daughter Daisy Lowe
The vinyl red gown that she wore on the cover of "Tragic
Kingdom" was stolen from the Fullerton Museum Centre in
Orange County, California on 11th January 2005.
Launched a second fashion line, Harajuku Lovers, inspired by
the street fashions of the Harajuku area of Tokyo, Japan.
This complements her solo album, Love Angel Music Baby, on
which she makes multiple references to Harajuku girls.
Is some sort of a fashion icon, because of her unique style,
which mixes vintage with designer clothes. |
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