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{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| Name = Gwen Stefani | Name = Gwen Stefani
| Img = <!-- EDITORS: ONLY USE FREE IMAGES -->GwenStefaniJonesBeach.jpg | Img = <!-- EDITORS: ONLY USE FREE IMAGES -->GwenStefaniJonesBeach.jpg
| Img_capt = Gwen Stefani performing "]" during ]. | Img_capt = Gwen Stefani performing "]" during ].
| Img_size = | Img_size =
| Landscape = | Landscape =
| Background = solo_singer | Background = solo_singer
| Birth_name = Gwen Renée Stefani | Birth_name = Gwen Renée Stefani
| Born = {{birth date and age|1969|10|3}}<br>{{flagicon|USA}} ], ], ] | Born = {{birth date and age|1969|10|3}}<br>{{flagicon|USA}} ], ], ]
| Died = | Died =
| Origin = {{flagicon|USA}} ], ], ] | Origin = {{flagicon|USA}} ], ], ]
| Instrument = | Instrument =
| Genre = ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | Genre = ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
| Occupation = ], ], ]er, ] | Occupation = ], ], ]er, ]
| Years_active = 1986–present | Years_active = 1986 – present
| Label = ] | Label = ]
| Associated_acts = ] | Associated_acts = ]
| URL = | URL =
}} }}
'''Gwen Renée Stefani''' (born ], ]) (]: {{IPA|}}<ref>See .</ref>) is an ] ], ], ]er and occasional ]. Stefani debuted in 1992 as the frontwoman of the ] band ], whose 1995 album '']'' propelled them to stardom, selling sixteen million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "]", "]", and the airplay number-one "]". The band's popularity went into decline with its third album '']'' (2000), but '']'' (2001) introduced ] and ] production into its music, which generally received positive reviews. '''Gwen Renée Stefani''' (born ], ]) (]: {{IPA|}}<ref>See .</ref>) is an ] ], ], ]er and occasional ]. Stefani debuted in 1992 as the frontwoman of the ] band ], whose 1995 album '']'' propelled them to stardom, selling sixteen million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "]", "]", and the airplay number-one "]". The band's popularity went into decline with its third album '']'' (2000), but '']'' (2001) introduced ] and ] production into its music, which generally received positive reviews.


Stefani recorded her first solo album '']'' in 2004. The album was primarily inspired by music of the 1980s, taking Stefani's work further into ], ], and ],<ref name="nme">Murison, Krissi. . '']''. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and enjoyed international success with sales of over seven million.<ref name="hb"/> The album's third single "]" became the first U.S. digital download to sell one million copies.<ref name="RSMillion">Hiatt, Brian. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Stefani's second solo album '']'' (2006) yielded "]", a moderate worldwide success.<ref name=winditupcharts>. Music Square. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Including her work with No Doubt, Stefani has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.<ref>McGibbon, Rob. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani recorded her first solo album '']'' in 2004. The album was primarily inspired by music of the 1980s, taking Stefani's work further into ], ], and ],<ref name="nme">Murison, Krissi. . '']''. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and enjoyed international success with sales of over seven million.<ref name="hb"/> The album's third single "]" became the first U.S. digital download to sell one million copies.<ref name="RSMillion">Hiatt, Brian. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Stefani's second solo album '']'' (2006) yielded "]", a moderate worldwide success.<ref name=winditupcharts>. Music Square. Retrieved ] ].</ref> Including her work with No Doubt, Stefani has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.<ref>McGibbon, Rob. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


In the media, Stefani is known as a fashion trendsetter.<ref>''Back in Love'': "Fashionistas". ] programming. Original airdate: September 2006. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In 2003, she debuted her clothing line ] and expanded her collection with the 2005 ] line. Drawing inspiration from ] and ], Stefani performs and makes public appearances with four back-up dancers known as the ], and has drawn accusations of racism for the subject. She married ] musician ] in 2002, and the two have a son, Kingston, who was born in 2006. In the media, Stefani is known as a fashion trendsetter.<ref>''Back in Love'': "Fashionistas". ] programming. Original airdate: September 2006. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In 2003, she debuted her clothing line ] and expanded her collection with the 2005 ] line. Drawing inspiration from ] and ], Stefani performs and makes public appearances with four back-up dancers known as the ], and has drawn accusations of racism for the subject. She married ] musician ] in 2002, and the two have a son, Kingston, who was born in 2006.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Gwen Stefani was born and raised in ], ],<ref name="AMG">Jeffries, David. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and grew up in a ] household.<ref name="vogue">Van Meter, Jonathan. . '']'' (April 2004). Retrieved from ] ], ].</ref> Her mother named her Gwen after a stewardess in the 1968 novel '']'', and her middle name, Renée, comes from ]' 1968 cover of ]'s 1966 hit song "]".<ref name="name">'']'', issue 910. Page 94, sidebar. ], ].</ref> Her father Dennis Stefani is ] and works as a Yamaha marketing executive. Her mother Patti Flynn is of ] and ] descent and worked as an ] before becoming a ].<ref name="family">. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref name="parents">. '']'', issue 258, page 220. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Gwen's parents were fans of ] and presented music by ] and ] to her.<ref name="vogue"/> Gwen is the second oldest of four children; she has a younger sister Jill, a younger brother Todd, and an older brother ].<ref name="vogue"/><ref name="family"/> Eric was the keyboardist for ], but left the band to pursue a career in animation on '']''.<ref name="AMG"/> Gwen Stefani was born and raised in ], ],<ref name="AMG">Jeffries, David. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and grew up in a ] household.<ref name="vogue">Van Meter, Jonathan. . '']'' (April 2004). Retrieved from ] ], ].</ref> Her mother named her Gwen after a stewardess in the 1968 novel '']'', and her middle name, Renée, comes from ]' 1968 cover of ]'s 1966 hit song "]".<ref name="name">'']'', issue 910. Page 94, sidebar. ], ].</ref> Her father Dennis Stefani is ] and works as a Yamaha marketing executive. Her mother Patti Flynn is of ] and ] descent and worked as an ] before becoming a ].<ref name="family">. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref name="parents">. '']'', issue 258, page 220. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Gwen's parents were fans of ] and presented music by ] and ] to her.<ref name="vogue"/> Gwen is the second oldest of four children; she has a younger sister Jill, a younger brother Todd, and an older brother ].<ref name="vogue"/><ref name="family"/> Eric was the keyboardist for ], but left the band to pursue a career in animation on '']''.<ref name="AMG"/>


Many of the women in Gwen's family were ]es, and much of her clothing was made by her or her mother. As a child, Stefani's musical interests consisted of musicals such as '']'' and '']''. After making a ] for her father, she was encouraged not to take music lessons to train her "loopy, unpredictable" voice.<ref name="vogue"/> Stefani's first on-stage performance came during a talent show at ], where she sang "I Have Confidence" from ''The Sound of Music'' in a self-made ] dress inspired by one from the film.<ref name="hb">Collis, Clark. . '']'', issue 909. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref name="guardian">. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved from '']'' ], ].</ref> Stefani was on the ] team at Loara,<ref>Hancock, Noelle. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and she worked scrubbing floors at a ] and later at the makeup counter of a department store.<ref>"Gwen Stefani". ''It's Good to Be...'' ]. ], ].</ref> After graduating from high school in 1987,<ref name="guardian"/> she began attending ].<ref name="hello">. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Many of the women in Gwen's family were ]es, and much of her clothing was made by her or her mother. As a child, Stefani's musical interests consisted of musicals such as '']'' and '']''. After making a ] for her father, she was encouraged not to take music lessons to train her "loopy, unpredictable" voice.<ref name="vogue"/> Stefani's first on-stage performance came during a talent show at ], where she sang "I Have Confidence" from ''The Sound of Music'' in a self-made ] dress inspired by one from the film.<ref name="hb">Collis, Clark. . '']'', issue 909. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref name="guardian">. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved from '']'' ], ].</ref> Stefani was on the ] team at Loara,<ref>Hancock, Noelle. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and she worked scrubbing floors at a ] and later at the makeup counter of a department store.<ref>"Gwen Stefani". ''It's Good to Be...'' ]. ], ].</ref> After graduating from high school in 1987,<ref name="guardian"/> she began attending ].<ref name="hello">. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


==Music career== ==Music career==
===1986–present: No Doubt=== ===1986 – present: No Doubt===
{{Main article|No Doubt}} {{Main article|No Doubt}}
Eric introduced Gwen to ] music by ] and ], and in 1986 he invited her to provide vocals for No Doubt, a ] band he was forming.<ref name="AMG"/> The band released its ] in 1992, but its ska-] sound was unsuccessful due to the popularity of ].<ref>Bush, John. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani rejected the aggressiveness of female grunge artists and cited ] singer ]'s combination of power and sex appeal as a major influence.<ref name="anniversary">Strauss, Neil. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> No Doubt's third album '']'' (1995), which followed the self-released '']'' (1995), took more than three years to make. During this time, the band almost split up because of the failed romantic relationship between Stefani and bandmate ].<ref>Ali, Lorraine. . '']''. 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Their break-up inspired Stefani lyrically, and many of the album's songs, such as "]", "]", and "Hey You", chronicle their relationship and her happiness.<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Five singles were released from ''Tragic Kingdom'' and "Don't Speak" led 1996's U.S. year-end ] chart.<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani left college for one semester to tour for ''Tragic Kingdom'' but did not return when touring lasted two and a half years.<ref name="vogue"/> The album sold more than sixteen million copies worldwide,<ref name="vogue"/> and received several ] nominations.<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Eric introduced Gwen to ] music by ] and ], and in 1986 he invited her to provide vocals for No Doubt, a ] band he was forming.<ref name="AMG"/> The band released its ] in 1992, but its ska-] sound was unsuccessful due to the popularity of ].<ref>Bush, John. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani rejected the aggressiveness of female grunge artists and cited ] singer ]'s combination of power and sex appeal as a major influence.<ref name="anniversary">Strauss, Neil. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> No Doubt's third album '']'' (1995), which followed the self-released '']'' (1995), took more than three years to make. During this time, the band almost split up because of the failed romantic relationship between Stefani and bandmate ].<ref>Ali, Lorraine. . '']''. 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Their break-up inspired Stefani lyrically, and many of the album's songs, such as "]", "]", and "Hey You", chronicle their relationship and her happiness.<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Five singles were released from ''Tragic Kingdom'' and "Don't Speak" led 1996's U.S. year-end ] chart.<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani left college for one semester to tour for ''Tragic Kingdom'' but did not return when touring lasted two and a half years.<ref name="vogue"/> The album sold more than sixteen million copies worldwide,<ref name="vogue"/> and received several ] nominations.<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


] in 2002.]] ] in 2002.]]


No Doubt released the less popular '']'' in 2000, which expands upon the ] influences of ''Tragic Kingdom''.<ref>]. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Most of the lyrical content focuses on Stefani's often rocky relationship with then-] frontman ] and her overall insecurities, including indecision on settling down and having a child.<ref>Willman, Chris. . '']'', issue 539. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The band's 2001 album '']'' explores more ] and ] sounds while maintaining the band's New Wave influences, generally receiving positive reviews from music critics.<ref>Cinquemani, Sal. . '']''. 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The album generated career-highest singles chart positions in the United States,<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and "]" and "]" received Grammy Awards. A greatest hits collection, '']'', which includes a ] of ]'s "]", was released in 2003 to moderate sales. The other members of No Doubt have begun work on a new album<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer and Richard, Yasmine. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and plan to complete it after Stefani's tour is finished.<ref>Cohen, Jonathan. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> No Doubt released the less popular '']'' in 2000, which expands upon the ] influences of ''Tragic Kingdom''.<ref>]. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Most of the lyrical content focuses on Stefani's often rocky relationship with then-] frontman ] and her overall insecurities, including indecision on settling down and having a child.<ref>Willman, Chris. . '']'', issue 539. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The band's 2001 album '']'' explores more ] and ] sounds while maintaining the band's New Wave influences, generally receiving positive reviews from music critics.<ref>Cinquemani, Sal. . '']''. 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The album generated career-highest singles chart positions in the United States,<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and "]" and "]" received Grammy Awards. A greatest hits collection, '']'', which includes a ] of ]'s "]", was released in 2003 to moderate sales. The other members of No Doubt have begun work on a new album<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer and Richard, Yasmine. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and plan to complete it after Stefani's tour is finished.<ref>Cohen, Jonathan. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


Outside No Doubt, Stefani has collaborated on the singles "]" and "]" with ] and ], respectively. In 2002 Eve and Stefani won a Grammy Award for ] for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind".<ref>Armor, Jerry. . Yahoo! Music News. February 28, 2002. Retrieved ], ].</ref> She also collaborated with ] on a cover of "You're the Boss", originally performed by ] and ], for its 1998 album '']''. Outside No Doubt, Stefani has collaborated on the singles "]" and "]" with ] and ], respectively. In 2002 Eve and Stefani won a Grammy Award for ] for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind".<ref>Armor, Jerry. . Yahoo! Music News. February 28, 2002. Retrieved ], ].</ref> She also collaborated with ] on a cover of "You're the Boss", originally performed by ] and ], for its 1998 album '']''.


===2004–present: Solo career=== ===2004 – present: Solo career===
====2004–2006: ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.''==== ====2004 – 2006: ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.''====
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Stefani's debut solo album '']'' was released in November 2004. The album features a large number of collaborations with producers and other artists, including Kanal, ], ]'s ], and ]. Stefani created the album to modernize the music to which she listened when in high school, and ''L.A.M.B.'' takes influence from a variety of music styles of the 1980s and early 1990s such as New Wave, ], and ].<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's decision to use her solo career as an opportunity to delve further into pop music instead of trying "to convince the world of talent, depth and artistic worth" was considered unusual.<ref name="nme"/> As a result, reviews of the album were mixed, and it was described as "fun as hell but…not exactly rife with subversive social commentary."<ref>Cinquemani, Sal. '']''. 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The album debuted on the U.S. ] albums chart at number seven, selling 309,000 copies in its first week.<ref>Whitmire, Margo. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> It sold well, reaching multi-platinum status in the ],<ref name="parents"/> the ],<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> ],<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and ].<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> At the ], Stefani was nominated for ],<ref>. '']''. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and at the ], Stefani received five nominations for ], ], Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, ], and ].<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's debut solo album '']'' was released in November 2004. The album features a large number of collaborations with producers and other artists, including Kanal, ], ]'s ], and ]. Stefani created the album to modernize the music to which she listened when in high school, and ''L.A.M.B.'' takes influence from a variety of music styles of the 1980s and early 1990s such as New Wave, ], and ].<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's decision to use her solo career as an opportunity to delve further into pop music instead of trying "to convince the world of talent, depth and artistic worth" was considered unusual.<ref name="nme"/> As a result, reviews of the album were mixed, and it was described as "fun as hell but…not exactly rife with subversive social commentary."<ref>Cinquemani, Sal. '']''. 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The album debuted on the U.S. ] albums chart at number seven, selling 309,000 copies in its first week.<ref>Whitmire, Margo. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> It sold well, reaching multi-platinum status in the ],<ref name="parents"/> the ],<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> ],<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and ].<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> At the ], Stefani was nominated for ],<ref>. '']''. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and at the ], Stefani received five nominations for ], ], Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, ], and ].<ref>. ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


]" in November 2005.]] ]" in November 2005.]]
The first single released from the album was "]", which charted outside the U.S. top forty, but reached the top ten on most other charts.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The song served to explain why Stefani produced a solo album and discusses her fears in leaving No Doubt for a solo career<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> as well as her desire to have a baby.<ref name="guardian">Salmon, Chris. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> "]" was released as the album's second single. A duet with ] ], and produced by ], it is an adaptation of a 1990s pop song by British musicians Louchie Lou and Michie One, which itself is a ] of "]", from the musical '']''. "Rich Girl" proved successful on several formats, and reached the UK and U.S. top ten.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> ''L.A.M.B.'''s third single "]" became Stefani's first U.S. and second Australian number-one single; it was less successful elsewhere.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The song was the first U.S. ] to sell more than one million copies legally,<ref name="RSMillion"/> and its ]-driven composition remained popular throughout 2005.<ref>Hiatt, Brian. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The first single released from the album was "]", which charted outside the U.S. top forty, but reached the top ten on most other charts.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The song served to explain why Stefani produced a solo album and discusses her fears in leaving No Doubt for a solo career<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> as well as her desire to have a baby.<ref name="guardian">Salmon, Chris. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> "]" was released as the album's second single. A duet with ] ], and produced by ], it is an adaptation of a 1990s pop song by British musicians Louchie Lou and Michie One, which itself is a ] of "]", from the musical '']''. "Rich Girl" proved successful on several formats, and reached the UK and U.S. top ten.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> ''L.A.M.B.'''s third single "]" became Stefani's first U.S. and second Australian number-one single; it was less successful elsewhere.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The song was the first U.S. ] to sell more than one million copies legally,<ref name="RSMillion"/> and its ]-driven composition remained popular throughout 2005.<ref>Hiatt, Brian. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


]" in November 2005.]] ]" in November 2005.]]
The fourth single "]" was released shortly following the popularity of its predecessor, but failed to match its chart success, reaching the UK and U.S. top twenty.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The song's lyrics and its accompanying music video, filmed in ], ], depict Stefani's former relationship with Tony Kanal.<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> "]" was released as the album's fifth single, but did not perform as well as its predecessors. "]" was released in early 2006 as the album's sixth single in lieu of ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'''s sequel, which Stefani postponed because of her pregnancy.<ref name="pregnant">Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The fourth single "]" was released shortly following the popularity of its predecessor, but failed to match its chart success, reaching the UK and U.S. top twenty.<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> The song's lyrics and its accompanying music video, filmed in ], ], depict Stefani's former relationship with Tony Kanal.<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> "]" was released as the album's fifth single, but did not perform as well as its predecessors. "]" was released in early 2006 as the album's sixth single in lieu of ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'''s sequel, which Stefani postponed because of her pregnancy.<ref name="pregnant">Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


====2006–present: ''The Sweet Escape''==== ====2006 – present: ''The Sweet Escape''====
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Stefani's second solo album '']'' was released in December 2006. Stefani recollaborated with Kanal, Perry, and the Neptunes along with ] and ]. The album focuses more heavily on ] for ] than its predecessor.<ref name="parents"/> Stefani commented that it differed from ''L.A.M.B.'' because "I just wasn't inspired to do another album and…I was a lot more relaxed making it."<ref>Swift, Jacqui. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Its release coincided with the DVD release of Stefani's first ], entitled '']''. The album received mixed reviews by critics, who found that it "has a surprisingly moody, lightly autobiographical feel... Stefani isn't convincing as a dissatisfied diva"<ref> . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and called the album a "hasty return" that repeats ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'' with less energy.<ref>Sheffield, Rob. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's second solo album '']'' was released in December 2006. Stefani recollaborated with Kanal, Perry, and the Neptunes along with ] and ]. The album focuses more heavily on ] for ] than its predecessor.<ref name="parents"/> Stefani commented that it differed from ''L.A.M.B.'' because "I just wasn't inspired to do another album and…I was a lot more relaxed making it."<ref>Swift, Jacqui. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Its release coincided with the DVD release of Stefani's first ], entitled '']''. The album received mixed reviews by critics, who found that it "has a surprisingly moody, lightly autobiographical feel... Stefani isn't convincing as a dissatisfied diva"<ref> . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and called the album a "hasty return" that repeats ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'' with less energy.<ref>Sheffield, Rob. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


"]", the album's ], was panned by critics for its use of yodeling and an ] of '']''<ref>Macia, Peter. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> but was moderately successful, reaching the top twenty in most markets.<ref name=winditupcharts/> ] was well-received and topped the ].<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> To promote ''The Sweet Escape'', Stefani was a mentor on the ] of '']'' and performed the song with Akon. Stefani embarked on the international ] in April 2007, with opening acts Akon and ]. The tour will visit North America, Central America, Australia, Asia and Europe.<ref>Cohen, Jonathan. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> After "]" failed to match the success of Stefani's previous singles, "]" was released as the album's fourth single. "]", the album's ], was panned by critics for its use of yodeling and an ] of '']''<ref>Macia, Peter. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> but was moderately successful, reaching the top twenty in most markets.<ref name=winditupcharts/> ] was well-received and topped the ].<ref>. Music Square. Retrieved ], ].</ref> To promote ''The Sweet Escape'', Stefani was a mentor on the ] of '']'' and performed the song with Akon. Stefani embarked on the international ] in April 2007, with opening acts Akon and ]. The tour will visit North America, Central America, Australia, Asia and Europe.<ref>Cohen, Jonathan. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> After "]" failed to match the success of Stefani's previous singles, "]" was released as the album's fourth single.


==Non-musical projects== ==Non-musical projects==
Stefani made most of the clothing that she wore on stage with No Doubt, resulting in increasingly eclectic combinations. Stylist Andrea Lieberman introduced her to ] clothing, which lead to Stefani launching a fashion line named ] in 2004.<ref name="vogue"/> The line takes influence from a variety of fashions, including ]n, ], and ]n styles.<ref>Maxwell, Alison; Freydkin, Donna; and Barker, Olivia. '']''. ], ]. ], ].</ref> The line achieved popularity among celebrities and is worn by stars such as ], ], and Stefani herself.<ref>McGibbon, Rob. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref>]. . '']'', issue 966. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In June 2005, she expanded her collection with the less expensive ] line, which she referred to as "a glorified merchandise line", with varied products including a ], ], and ]s.<ref>Freydkin, Donna. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref name="radiation">]. . ], ]. Retrieved from ] ], ].</ref> In late 2006, Stefani released a limited edition line of dolls called "Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Fashion dolls". The dolls are inspired by the various costumes that Stefani and the Harajuku Girls wore while touring for the album.<ref>]. . ], ]. Retrieved from ] ], ].</ref> Stefani made most of the clothing that she wore on stage with No Doubt, resulting in increasingly eclectic combinations. Stylist Andrea Lieberman introduced her to ] clothing, which lead to Stefani launching a fashion line named ] in 2004.<ref name="vogue"/> The line takes influence from a variety of fashions, including ]n, ], and ]n styles.<ref>Maxwell, Alison; Freydkin, Donna; and Barker, Olivia. '']''. ], ]. ], ].</ref> The line achieved popularity among celebrities and is worn by stars such as ], ], and Stefani herself.<ref>McGibbon, Rob. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref>]. . '']'', issue 966. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In June 2005, she expanded her collection with the less expensive ] line, which she referred to as "a glorified merchandise line", with varied products including a ], ], and ]s.<ref>Freydkin, Donna. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref name="radiation">]. . ], ]. Retrieved from ] ], ].</ref> In late 2006, Stefani released a limited edition line of dolls called "Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Fashion dolls". The dolls are inspired by the various costumes that Stefani and the Harajuku Girls wore while touring for the album.<ref>]. . ], ]. Retrieved from ] ], ].</ref>


In 2004, Stefani showed interest in making film appearances<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and began auditioning for films such as '']''.<ref>. ExtraTV. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> She made her acting debut playing ] in ]'s biopic '']'' in 2004. Martin Scorsese, whose daughter was a fan of No Doubt, showed reciprocal interest in casting Stefani after seeing her picture from a ]-inspired photo shoot for '']'' in 2003.<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> To prepare for the role, Stefani read two biographies and watched eighteen of Harlow's films.<ref name="vogue"/> Shooting her part took four to five days, and Stefani had few lines.<ref>]. . ], ]. Retrieved from '']'' ], ].</ref> Stefani lent her voice to the title character of '']'', a ] and ] video game in 2004; before completion, however, the company opted not to use No Doubt band-members' voices.<ref>Hwang, Kaiser. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In 2004, Stefani showed interest in making film appearances<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> and began auditioning for films such as '']''.<ref>. ExtraTV. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> She made her acting debut playing ] in ]'s biopic '']'' in 2004. Martin Scorsese, whose daughter was a fan of No Doubt, showed reciprocal interest in casting Stefani after seeing her picture from a ]-inspired photo shoot for '']'' in 2003.<ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref><ref>Vineyard, Jennifer. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> To prepare for the role, Stefani read two biographies and watched eighteen of Harlow's films.<ref name="vogue"/> Shooting her part took four to five days, and Stefani had few lines.<ref>]. . ], ]. Retrieved from '']'' ], ].</ref> Stefani lent her voice to the title character of '']'', a ] and ] video game in 2004; before completion, however, the company opted not to use No Doubt band-members' voices.<ref>Hwang, Kaiser. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
] ]
Stefani had a crush on bandmate Tony Kanal when he joined No Doubt, but Kanal initially rejected her because her older brother was in the band and Kanal felt it was an ] that no one of the band date her. The two eventually began dating and were "inseparable" by the early 1990s.<ref name="hello"/> Stefani stated that she was heavily invested in the relationship, commenting that "all I ever did was look at Tony and pray that God would let me have a baby with him."<ref name="guardian"/> Kanal ended the relationship because he said that he needed "space".<ref>''Born to Be''. ] programming. Original airdate: March 2006. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani had a crush on bandmate Tony Kanal when he joined No Doubt, but Kanal initially rejected her because her older brother was in the band and Kanal felt it was an ] that no one of the band date her. The two eventually began dating and were "inseparable" by the early 1990s.<ref name="hello"/> Stefani stated that she was heavily invested in the relationship, commenting that "all I ever did was look at Tony and pray that God would let me have a baby with him."<ref name="guardian"/> Kanal ended the relationship because he said that he needed "space".<ref>''Born to Be''. ] programming. Original airdate: March 2006. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


During her time with No Doubt, the band toured with ] band ], whose frontman, ], later wrote the song "She's Famous Now" for Reel Big Fish's 1998 album '']''. The song is commonly interpreted to be about a relationship between the two and Stefani's subsequent success with No Doubt;<ref>Kamps, Garrett. . ]. 2006. Retrieved ], ].</ref> however, Barrett later stated that he "was just trying to start a rumor".<ref>Backus, Paul. . '']''. Volume 40, Issue 8. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> During her time with No Doubt, the band toured with ] band ], whose frontman, ], later wrote the song "She's Famous Now" for Reel Big Fish's 1998 album '']''. The song is commonly interpreted to be about a relationship between the two and Stefani's subsequent success with No Doubt;<ref>Kamps, Garrett. . ]. 2006. Retrieved ], ].</ref> however, Barrett later stated that he "was just trying to start a rumor".<ref>Backus, Paul. . '']''. Volume 40, Issue 8. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


] ]


In December 1995, Stefani met Bush guitarist and lead singer ] at a No Doubt concert, and the two became involved in a long distance relationship. The couple has kept details about its relationship private, avoiding talking to ]s together.<ref name="anniversary"/> They married in 2002, with a ] in ] in ], ]. A second wedding was held in ], California two weeks later.<ref>Springer, Debra. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> According to Stefani, it was held so that she could wear a custom-designed ] by British-]ian ] ].<ref>Levy, Ariel. . '']''. December 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In December 1995, Stefani met Bush guitarist and lead singer ] at a No Doubt concert, and the two became involved in a long distance relationship. The couple has kept details about its relationship private, avoiding talking to ]s together.<ref name="anniversary"/> They married in 2002, with a ] in ] in ], ]. A second wedding was held in ], California two weeks later.<ref>Springer, Debra. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> According to Stefani, it was held so that she could wear a custom-designed ] by British-]ian ] ].<ref>Levy, Ariel. . '']''. December 2004. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


The couple discovered in 2004 that Rossdale had an ] daughter Daisy (b. 1989) from a previous fling with model ] when Rossdale took a ]. Stefani was "devastated and infuriated" at the discovery, leading to a rocky patch in her relationship with Rossdale.<ref>Amter, Charlie. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani does not have a relationship with Daisy, though Rossdale remains Daisy's ].<ref>. Contactmusic. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's song "Danger Zone" was widely believed to be about the discovery and its aftermath;<ref>Browne, David. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> however, the song was written prior to the incident.<ref name="parents"/> The couple discovered in 2004 that Rossdale had an ] daughter Daisy (b. 1989) from a previous fling with model ] when Rossdale took a ]. Stefani was "devastated and infuriated" at the discovery, leading to a rocky patch in her relationship with Rossdale.<ref>Amter, Charlie. . ]. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani does not have a relationship with Daisy, though Rossdale remains Daisy's ].<ref>. Contactmusic. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's song "Danger Zone" was widely believed to be about the discovery and its aftermath;<ref>Browne, David. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> however, the song was written prior to the incident.<ref name="parents"/>


In December 2005, Stefani and Rossdale announced that they were expecting their first child together. The pregnancy was first reported by '']'', and Stefani confirmed the pregnancy by shouting "I want you to sing so loud that the baby hears it" during a concert in ], ] after her ] stated that it was untrue.<ref name="pregnant"/> On ], ], their son, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, was born via ] at the ] in Los Angeles.<ref>. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Kingston weighed 3.4&nbsp;kilograms (7&nbsp;pounds, 5&nbsp;ounces).<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved from '']'' ], ].</ref> Stefani plans to have another baby.<ref>Silverman, Stephen M. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In December 2005, Stefani and Rossdale announced that they were expecting their first child together. The pregnancy was first reported by '']'', and Stefani confirmed the pregnancy by shouting "I want you to sing so loud that the baby hears it" during a concert in ], ] after her ] stated that it was untrue.<ref name="pregnant"/> On ], ], their son, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, was born via ] at the ] in Los Angeles.<ref>. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Kingston weighed 3.4&nbsp;kilograms (7&nbsp;pounds, 5&nbsp;ounces).<ref>. ]. ], ]. Retrieved from '']'' ], ].</ref> Stefani plans to have another baby.<ref>Silverman, Stephen M. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


==Public image== ==Public image==
] ]
Stefani is often identified by her unique appearance. She began wearing a ] in the mid 1990s after attending several family gatherings for Kanal, who is of ]n heritage.<ref>Stevenson, Jane. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> During No Doubt's breakthrough, Stefani wore the forehead decoration in several of the band's music videos and briefly popularized the accessory in 1997.<ref name="ew">Laine, Tricia. . '']'', issue 454. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> First attracting attention in the 1995 music video for "Just a Girl", Stefani is known for her ] and frequently wears shirts that expose it.<ref>. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's ] design generally includes light face powder, bright red ], and arched ]; she wrote about the subject in a song titled "Magic's in the Makeup" for No Doubt's ''Return of Saturn'', asking "If the magic's in the makeup/Then who am I?".<ref name="vogue"/> Stefani is often identified by her unique appearance. She began wearing a ] in the mid 1990s after attending several family gatherings for Kanal, who is of ]n heritage.<ref>Stevenson, Jane. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> During No Doubt's breakthrough, Stefani wore the forehead decoration in several of the band's music videos and briefly popularized the accessory in 1997.<ref name="ew">Laine, Tricia. . '']'', issue 454. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> First attracting attention in the 1995 music video for "Just a Girl", Stefani is known for her ] and frequently wears shirts that expose it.<ref>. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's ] design generally includes light face powder, bright red ], and arched ]; she wrote about the subject in a song titled "Magic's in the Makeup" for No Doubt's ''Return of Saturn'', asking "If the magic's in the makeup/Then who am I?".<ref name="vogue"/>


Stefani is a natural ], though her hair has not been its natural color since Stefani was in ninth grade.<ref>Toht, Betony. . '']''. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Since then, she has had platinum ] hair. Stefani discussed this in the song "Platinum Blonde Life" on ''Rock Steady'' and played original blonde ] Jean Harlow in 2004.<ref>Wloszczyna, Susan. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani also dyed her hair blue in 1998<ref name="ew"/> and pink in 2000,<ref>Greenblatt, Leah. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> appearing on the cover of ''Return of Saturn'' with pink hair. Stefani is a natural ], though her hair has not been its natural color since Stefani was in ninth grade.<ref>Toht, Betony. . '']''. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Since then, she has had platinum ] hair. Stefani discussed this in the song "Platinum Blonde Life" on ''Rock Steady'' and played original blonde ] Jean Harlow in 2004.<ref>Wloszczyna, Susan. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani also dyed her hair blue in 1998<ref name="ew"/> and pink in 2000,<ref>Greenblatt, Leah. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> appearing on the cover of ''Return of Saturn'' with pink hair.


In 2006, Stefani modified her image, inspired by that of Elvira Hancock, a rich ] portrayed by ] in the 1983 film '']''.<ref name="hb"/> The reinvented image included a symbol consisting of two back-to-back ]'s, which appears on a diamond-encrusted key she wears on a necklace and which became a motif in the promotion of ''The Sweet Escape''.<ref name="radiation"/> Stefani raised concerns in January 2007 about her rapid ] following her pregnancy. She stated she lost the weight through diet and exercise but admitted to obsessing over her weight due to the ] trend.<ref>. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> She later stated that she had been on a diet since the sixth grade to fit in size 4 clothing, commenting, "It's an ongoing battle and it's a ]. But I like clothes too much, and I always wanted to wear the outfits I would make."<ref>Corcoran, Liz. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> In 2006, Stefani modified her image, inspired by that of Elvira Hancock, a rich ] portrayed by ] in the 1983 film '']''.<ref name="hb"/> The reinvented image included a symbol consisting of two back-to-back ]'s, which appears on a diamond-encrusted key she wears on a necklace and which became a motif in the promotion of ''The Sweet Escape''.<ref name="radiation"/> Stefani raised concerns in January 2007 about her rapid ] following her pregnancy. She stated she lost the weight through diet and exercise but admitted to obsessing over her weight due to the ] trend.<ref>. '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> She later stated that she had been on a diet since the sixth grade to fit in size 4 clothing, commenting, "It's an ongoing battle and it's a ]. But I like clothes too much, and I always wanted to wear the outfits I would make."<ref>Corcoran, Liz. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


===Harajuku Girls=== ===Harajuku Girls===
], dressed as ]s, on the Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005.]] ], dressed as ]s, on the Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005.]]


The release of Stefani's first solo album brought attention to her entourage of four ], named for the area around the ] of ], ]. Stefani treats the back-up dancers, who appear in outfits influenced by ] fashion, as a figment of her imagination.<ref>Holson, Laura M. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's clothing also took influence from Japanese fashion, in a style described as a combination between ] and Japan.<ref name="guardian"/> The dancers are featured in her music videos, press coverage, and on the album cover for ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'', with a song named for and dedicated to them on the album. They were also featured in, and the namesake for, Stefani's ]. The release of Stefani's first solo album brought attention to her entourage of four ], named for the area around the ] of ], ]. Stefani treats the back-up dancers, who appear in outfits influenced by ] fashion, as a figment of her imagination.<ref>Holson, Laura M. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's clothing also took influence from Japanese fashion, in a style described as a combination between ] and Japan.<ref name="guardian"/> The dancers are featured in her music videos, press coverage, and on the album cover for ''Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'', with a song named for and dedicated to them on the album. They were also featured in, and the namesake for, Stefani's ].


Stefani's adoption of this component of ] drew accusations of ]. ] ] has labeled the Harajuku Girls as a "]" that reinforces ethnic stereotypes of ]n women.<ref>]. . ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> '']'' rebuked Stefani for rumors of ] that the four not speak ] though they are fluent, and stated that "silencing people is the epitome of taking away their autonomy and subjectivity, even if Gwen Stefani thinks her silent Japanese ]s are part of an awesome and empowering ]."<ref>Ishii, Anne. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> Stefani's adoption of this component of ] drew accusations of ]. ] ] has labeled the Harajuku Girls as a "]" that reinforces ethnic stereotypes of ]n women.<ref>]. . ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref> '']'' rebuked Stefani for rumors of ] that the four not speak ] though they are fluent, and stated that "silencing people is the epitome of taking away their autonomy and subjectivity, even if Gwen Stefani thinks her silent Japanese ]s are part of an awesome and empowering ]."<ref>Ishii, Anne. . '']''. ], ]. Retrieved ], ].</ref>


==Discography== ==Discography==
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===Studio albums=== ===Studio albums===
*2004: '']'' * 2004: '']''
*2006: '']'' * 2006: '']''


===Singles=== ===Singles===
*2004: "]" * 2004: "]"
*2004: "]" featuring ] * 2004: "]" featuring ]
*2005: "]" * 2005: "]"
*2005: "]" * 2005: "]"
*2005: "]" featuring ] * 2005: "]" featuring ]
*2006: "]" * 2006: "]"
*2006: "]" * 2006: "]"
*2007: "]" featuring ] * 2007: "]" featuring ]
*2007: "]" * 2007: "]"
*2007: "]" featuring ] * 2007: "]" featuring ]
*2007: "]" * 2007: "]"
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*{{AMG Artist|sql=11:hvfixquhldde|artist=Gwen Stefani}} * {{AMG Artist|sql=11:hvfixquhldde|artist=Gwen Stefani}}
*{{imdb name|0005461|Gwen Stefani}} * {{imdb name|0005461|Gwen Stefani}}
*{{nndb name|490/000023421|Gwen Stefani}} * {{nndb name|490/000023421|Gwen Stefani}}
*{{people.com}} * {{people.com}}


{{featured article}} {{featured article}}

Revision as of 08:46, 16 September 2007

Gwen Stefani
Musical artist

Gwen Renée Stefani (born October 3, 1969) (IPA pronunciation: ) is an American singer, songwriter, fashion designer and occasional actress. Stefani debuted in 1992 as the frontwoman of the third wave ska band No Doubt, whose 1995 album Tragic Kingdom propelled them to stardom, selling sixteen million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and the airplay number-one "Don't Speak". The band's popularity went into decline with its third album Return of Saturn (2000), but Rock Steady (2001) introduced dancehall and reggae production into its music, which generally received positive reviews.

Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was primarily inspired by music of the 1980s, taking Stefani's work further into pop, R&B, and dance music, and enjoyed international success with sales of over seven million. The album's third single "Hollaback Girl" became the first U.S. digital download to sell one million copies. Stefani's second solo album The Sweet Escape (2006) yielded "Wind It Up", a moderate worldwide success. Including her work with No Doubt, Stefani has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

In the media, Stefani is known as a fashion trendsetter. In 2003, she debuted her clothing line L.A.M.B. and expanded her collection with the 2005 Harajuku Lovers line. Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture and fashion, Stefani performs and makes public appearances with four back-up dancers known as the Harajuku Girls, and has drawn accusations of racism for the subject. She married post-grunge musician Gavin Rossdale in 2002, and the two have a son, Kingston, who was born in 2006.

Early life

Gwen Stefani was born and raised in Fullerton, California, and grew up in a Roman Catholic household. Her mother named her Gwen after a stewardess in the 1968 novel Airport, and her middle name, Renée, comes from The Four Tops' 1968 cover of The Left Banke's 1966 hit song "Walk Away Renée". Her father Dennis Stefani is Italian American and works as a Yamaha marketing executive. Her mother Patti Flynn is of Irish and Scottish descent and worked as an accountant before becoming a homemaker. Gwen's parents were fans of folk music and presented music by Bob Dylan and Emmylou Harris to her. Gwen is the second oldest of four children; she has a younger sister Jill, a younger brother Todd, and an older brother Eric. Eric was the keyboardist for No Doubt, but left the band to pursue a career in animation on The Simpsons.

Many of the women in Gwen's family were seamstresses, and much of her clothing was made by her or her mother. As a child, Stefani's musical interests consisted of musicals such as The Sound of Music and Evita. After making a demo tape for her father, she was encouraged not to take music lessons to train her "loopy, unpredictable" voice. Stefani's first on-stage performance came during a talent show at Loara High School, where she sang "I Have Confidence" from The Sound of Music in a self-made tweed dress inspired by one from the film. Stefani was on the swim team at Loara, and she worked scrubbing floors at a Dairy Queen and later at the makeup counter of a department store. After graduating from high school in 1987, she began attending California State University, Fullerton.

Music career

1986 – present: No Doubt

Main article: No Doubt

Eric introduced Gwen to 2 Tone music by Madness and The Selecter, and in 1986 he invited her to provide vocals for No Doubt, a ska band he was forming. The band released its self-titled debut album in 1992, but its ska-pop sound was unsuccessful due to the popularity of grunge. Stefani rejected the aggressiveness of female grunge artists and cited Blondie singer Debbie Harry's combination of power and sex appeal as a major influence. No Doubt's third album Tragic Kingdom (1995), which followed the self-released The Beacon Street Collection (1995), took more than three years to make. During this time, the band almost split up because of the failed romantic relationship between Stefani and bandmate Tony Kanal. Their break-up inspired Stefani lyrically, and many of the album's songs, such as "Don't Speak", "Sunday Morning", and "Hey You", chronicle their relationship and her happiness. Five singles were released from Tragic Kingdom and "Don't Speak" led 1996's U.S. year-end airplay chart. Stefani left college for one semester to tour for Tragic Kingdom but did not return when touring lasted two and a half years. The album sold more than sixteen million copies worldwide, and received several Grammy Award nominations.

File:Gwen-Stefani.jpg
Stefani performing with No Doubt in 2002.

No Doubt released the less popular Return of Saturn in 2000, which expands upon the New Wave influences of Tragic Kingdom. Most of the lyrical content focuses on Stefani's often rocky relationship with then-Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale and her overall insecurities, including indecision on settling down and having a child. The band's 2001 album Rock Steady explores more reggae and dancehall sounds while maintaining the band's New Wave influences, generally receiving positive reviews from music critics. The album generated career-highest singles chart positions in the United States, and "Hey Baby" and "Underneath It All" received Grammy Awards. A greatest hits collection, The Singles 1992-2003, which includes a cover of Talk Talk's "It's My Life", was released in 2003 to moderate sales. The other members of No Doubt have begun work on a new album and plan to complete it after Stefani's tour is finished.

Outside No Doubt, Stefani has collaborated on the singles "South Side" and "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" with Moby and Eve, respectively. In 2002 Eve and Stefani won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind". She also collaborated with The Brian Setzer Orchestra on a cover of "You're the Boss", originally performed by Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, for its 1998 album The Dirty Boogie.

2004 – present: Solo career

2004 – 2006: Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

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Stefani's debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. was released in November 2004. The album features a large number of collaborations with producers and other artists, including Kanal, Linda Perry, OutKast's André 3000, and The Neptunes. Stefani created the album to modernize the music to which she listened when in high school, and L.A.M.B. takes influence from a variety of music styles of the 1980s and early 1990s such as New Wave, new jack swing, and electro. Stefani's decision to use her solo career as an opportunity to delve further into pop music instead of trying "to convince the world of talent, depth and artistic worth" was considered unusual. As a result, reviews of the album were mixed, and it was described as "fun as hell but…not exactly rife with subversive social commentary." The album debuted on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart at number seven, selling 309,000 copies in its first week. It sold well, reaching multi-platinum status in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, Stefani was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and at the next year's awards, Stefani received five nominations for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Stefani performing "Hollaback Girl" in November 2005.

The first single released from the album was "What You Waiting For?", which charted outside the U.S. top forty, but reached the top ten on most other charts. The song served to explain why Stefani produced a solo album and discusses her fears in leaving No Doubt for a solo career as well as her desire to have a baby. "Rich Girl" was released as the album's second single. A duet with rapper Eve, and produced by Dr. Dre, it is an adaptation of a 1990s pop song by British musicians Louchie Lou and Michie One, which itself is a cover of "If I Were a Rich Man", from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. "Rich Girl" proved successful on several formats, and reached the UK and U.S. top ten. L.A.M.B.'s third single "Hollaback Girl" became Stefani's first U.S. and second Australian number-one single; it was less successful elsewhere. The song was the first U.S. digital download to sell more than one million copies legally, and its brass-driven composition remained popular throughout 2005.

Stefani performing "Luxurious" in November 2005.

The fourth single "Cool" was released shortly following the popularity of its predecessor, but failed to match its chart success, reaching the UK and U.S. top twenty. The song's lyrics and its accompanying music video, filmed in Lake Como, Italy, depict Stefani's former relationship with Tony Kanal. "Luxurious" was released as the album's fifth single, but did not perform as well as its predecessors. "Crash" was released in early 2006 as the album's sixth single in lieu of Love. Angel. Music. Baby.'s sequel, which Stefani postponed because of her pregnancy.

2006 – present: The Sweet Escape

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Stefani's second solo album The Sweet Escape was released in December 2006. Stefani recollaborated with Kanal, Perry, and the Neptunes along with Akon and Tim Rice-Oxley. The album focuses more heavily on dance music for clubs than its predecessor. Stefani commented that it differed from L.A.M.B. because "I just wasn't inspired to do another album and…I was a lot more relaxed making it." Its release coincided with the DVD release of Stefani's first tour, entitled Harajuku Lovers Live. The album received mixed reviews by critics, who found that it "has a surprisingly moody, lightly autobiographical feel... Stefani isn't convincing as a dissatisfied diva" and called the album a "hasty return" that repeats Love. Angel. Music. Baby. with less energy.

"Wind It Up", the album's lead single, was panned by critics for its use of yodeling and an interpolation of The Sound of Music but was moderately successful, reaching the top twenty in most markets. The title track was well-received and topped the United World Chart. To promote The Sweet Escape, Stefani was a mentor on the sixth season of American Idol and performed the song with Akon. Stefani embarked on the international Sweet Escape Tour in April 2007, with opening acts Akon and Lady Sovereign. The tour will visit North America, Central America, Australia, Asia and Europe. After "4 in the Morning" failed to match the success of Stefani's previous singles, "Now That You Got It" was released as the album's fourth single.

Non-musical projects

Stefani made most of the clothing that she wore on stage with No Doubt, resulting in increasingly eclectic combinations. Stylist Andrea Lieberman introduced her to haute couture clothing, which lead to Stefani launching a fashion line named L.A.M.B. in 2004. The line takes influence from a variety of fashions, including Guatemalan, Japanese, and Jamaican styles. The line achieved popularity among celebrities and is worn by stars such as Teri Hatcher, Nicole Kidman, and Stefani herself. In June 2005, she expanded her collection with the less expensive Harajuku Lovers line, which she referred to as "a glorified merchandise line", with varied products including a camera, mobile phone charms, and undergarments. In late 2006, Stefani released a limited edition line of dolls called "Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Fashion dolls". The dolls are inspired by the various costumes that Stefani and the Harajuku Girls wore while touring for the album.

In 2004, Stefani showed interest in making film appearances and began auditioning for films such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith. She made her acting debut playing Jean Harlow in Martin Scorsese's biopic The Aviator in 2004. Martin Scorsese, whose daughter was a fan of No Doubt, showed reciprocal interest in casting Stefani after seeing her picture from a Marilyn Monroe-inspired photo shoot for Teen Vogue in 2003. To prepare for the role, Stefani read two biographies and watched eighteen of Harlow's films. Shooting her part took four to five days, and Stefani had few lines. Stefani lent her voice to the title character of Malice, a PS2 and Xbox video game in 2004; before completion, however, the company opted not to use No Doubt band-members' voices.

Personal life

Stefani's ex-boyfriend and bandmate Tony Kanal

Stefani had a crush on bandmate Tony Kanal when he joined No Doubt, but Kanal initially rejected her because her older brother was in the band and Kanal felt it was an unspoken rule that no one of the band date her. The two eventually began dating and were "inseparable" by the early 1990s. Stefani stated that she was heavily invested in the relationship, commenting that "all I ever did was look at Tony and pray that God would let me have a baby with him." Kanal ended the relationship because he said that he needed "space".

During her time with No Doubt, the band toured with ska punk band Reel Big Fish, whose frontman, Aaron Barrett, later wrote the song "She's Famous Now" for Reel Big Fish's 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard?. The song is commonly interpreted to be about a relationship between the two and Stefani's subsequent success with No Doubt; however, Barrett later stated that he "was just trying to start a rumor".

Stefani's husband Gavin Rossdale

In December 1995, Stefani met Bush guitarist and lead singer Gavin Rossdale at a No Doubt concert, and the two became involved in a long distance relationship. The couple has kept details about its relationship private, avoiding talking to journalists together. They married in 2002, with a wedding in St Paul's Church in Covent Garden, London. A second wedding was held in Los Angeles, California two weeks later. According to Stefani, it was held so that she could wear a custom-designed wedding dress by British-Gibraltarian fashion designer John Galliano.

The couple discovered in 2004 that Rossdale had an illegitimate daughter Daisy (b. 1989) from a previous fling with model Pearl Lowe when Rossdale took a paternity test. Stefani was "devastated and infuriated" at the discovery, leading to a rocky patch in her relationship with Rossdale. Stefani does not have a relationship with Daisy, though Rossdale remains Daisy's godfather. Stefani's song "Danger Zone" was widely believed to be about the discovery and its aftermath; however, the song was written prior to the incident.

In December 2005, Stefani and Rossdale announced that they were expecting their first child together. The pregnancy was first reported by Us Weekly, and Stefani confirmed the pregnancy by shouting "I want you to sing so loud that the baby hears it" during a concert in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after her press agent stated that it was untrue. On May 26, 2006, their son, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, was born via caesarean section at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Kingston weighed 3.4 kilograms (7 pounds, 5 ounces). Stefani plans to have another baby.

Public image

Stefani performing in May 2007, wearing the G logo on a belt buckle.

Stefani is often identified by her unique appearance. She began wearing a bindi in the mid 1990s after attending several family gatherings for Kanal, who is of Indian heritage. During No Doubt's breakthrough, Stefani wore the forehead decoration in several of the band's music videos and briefly popularized the accessory in 1997. First attracting attention in the 1995 music video for "Just a Girl", Stefani is known for her midriff and frequently wears shirts that expose it. Stefani's makeup design generally includes light face powder, bright red lipstick, and arched eyebrows; she wrote about the subject in a song titled "Magic's in the Makeup" for No Doubt's Return of Saturn, asking "If the magic's in the makeup/Then who am I?".

Stefani is a natural brunette, though her hair has not been its natural color since Stefani was in ninth grade. Since then, she has had platinum blonde hair. Stefani discussed this in the song "Platinum Blonde Life" on Rock Steady and played original blonde bombshell Jean Harlow in 2004. Stefani also dyed her hair blue in 1998 and pink in 2000, appearing on the cover of Return of Saturn with pink hair.

In 2006, Stefani modified her image, inspired by that of Elvira Hancock, a rich coke whore portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer in the 1983 film Scarface. The reinvented image included a symbol consisting of two back-to-back G's, which appears on a diamond-encrusted key she wears on a necklace and which became a motif in the promotion of The Sweet Escape. Stefani raised concerns in January 2007 about her rapid weight loss following her pregnancy. She stated she lost the weight through diet and exercise but admitted to obsessing over her weight due to the size zero trend. She later stated that she had been on a diet since the sixth grade to fit in size 4 clothing, commenting, "It's an ongoing battle and it's a nightmare. But I like clothes too much, and I always wanted to wear the outfits I would make."

Harajuku Girls

Stefani performing with the Harajuku Girls, dressed as nurses, on the Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005.

The release of Stefani's first solo album brought attention to her entourage of four Harajuku Girls, named for the area around the Harajuku Station of Tokyo, Japan. Stefani treats the back-up dancers, who appear in outfits influenced by Gothic Lolita fashion, as a figment of her imagination. Stefani's clothing also took influence from Japanese fashion, in a style described as a combination between Christian Dior and Japan. The dancers are featured in her music videos, press coverage, and on the album cover for Love. Angel. Music. Baby., with a song named for and dedicated to them on the album. They were also featured in, and the namesake for, Stefani's Harajuku Lovers Tour 2005.

Stefani's adoption of this component of Japanese culture drew accusations of racism. Stand-up comic Margaret Cho has labeled the Harajuku Girls as a "minstrel show" that reinforces ethnic stereotypes of Asian women. The Village Voice rebuked Stefani for rumors of contractual obligations that the four not speak English though they are fluent, and stated that "silencing people is the epitome of taking away their autonomy and subjectivity, even if Gwen Stefani thinks her silent Japanese fashionistas are part of an awesome and empowering counterculture."

Discography

Main article: Gwen Stefani discography

Studio albums

Singles

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External links

Gwen Stefani
Studio albums
Video albums
Singles
Featured singles
Promotional singles
Other songs
Concerts and tours
Television
Related articles
No Doubt
Studio albums
Compilations
Video albums
Singles
Promotional singles
Concert tours
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