Childhood and youth
The vocalist was born on October 3, 1969 in Fullerton, California. Gwen Renee grew up in a middle-income family with her younger brother and sister, Todd and Jill, and her older brother, Eric. His father, an Italian by birth, worked in a marketing hotel for a Japanese corporation. The mother, who rewarded her daughter with a bit of Irish and Scottish blood, first worked as an accountant, and then devoted herself to the home and children.
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Gwen Stefani in her youth
The girl showed musical abilities at an early age: the American sang when her brother Eric accompanied her on the piano. At school, Stephanie learned to play the flute, and performed her first song at a school concert. The future star was fond of drawing and swimming.
In her youth, Gwen completed art courses at a local college, then entered the University of California. The future queen of ska, grunge and punk rock was already bold, bright and independent in her youth. She did not want her family to pay for her studies, and during her student years she worked in a restaurant as a cleaner, and then as a sales assistant in a perfume store.
Music
Gwen's creative biography began in 1986. Older brother Eric, together with classmate John Spence, formed the ska band No Doubt. Eric became the keyboard player, John became the vocalist, Tony Kanel became the bass guitarist, and his sister was given the role of backing vocalist. The singer did not neglect such a tempting offer, because since childhood she loved the Madness project, which also played ska.
Stephanie wrote her first song at the age of 17. A year after the founding of the group, John Spence committed suicide. The remaining musicians decided to continue working in the group, and Gwen took the place of lead singer. A bright and strong voice (mezzo-soprano) was perfect for the team’s compositions.
Gwen Stefani - Don't Speak
Eric was the next to leave the team, finding himself in animation (the singer’s brother is known as a former animator for the series “The Simpsons”). Before the guy changed his profession, No Doubt managed to achieve considerable popularity in their homeland, California. In 1995, Tragic Kingdom was released, many of the songs in which - Just a Girl, Don't Speak - became hits. The album went platinum, and videos were shot for the songs. The album was nominated for a Grammy, and the group's lead singer won the California Music Awards' Outstanding Female Vocalist in the States category.
Together with the group, the singer recorded two more discs in a new style different from ska (Return of Saturn and Rock Steady), and then began a solo career. In 2000, she released the songs and videos Southside with Moby and Let Me Blow Ya Mind with Eve.
Gwen's first solo disc Love. Angel. Music. Baby. came out in 2004. The vocalist preferred pop music in the style of the 80s, and Pharrell Williams, Andre 3000, Linda Perry helped her in recording the album. The collection was a huge success, and the songs Hollaback Girl and Cool became instant hits. Fans of the performer also loved the video for the song What You Waiting for?, where the artist appeared in the image of Alice in Wonderland.
Gwen Stefani - Cool
The next solo album, The Sweet Escape, released in 2006, and the song 4 in the Morning brought Stefani another Grammy, and in 2009 the singer suspended solo performances for the new No Doubt tour. In 2012, the group resumed activity by releasing the disc Push and Shove. In 2014, the vocalist sang the song My Heart Is Open with Maroon 5 and made a duet with Eminem, which she had long dreamed of.
In March 2016, the American woman’s discography was expanded with her third solo album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, and a year later, Gwen delighted fans with a new project, created together with performers Busby, Blake Shelton and Justin Tranter. In support of the disc, the singer organized a tour that started in Las Vegas. The concerts were partially charitable in nature - every dollar from tickets went to the Cure4Kids organization. The shows continued until the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.
In December 2021, Stefani participated in the recording of Shelton's single Nobody but You - the audience immediately liked the song and entered the world charts. The couple's collaboration continued in the summer of next year - the musicians delighted fans with the song Happy Anywhere. In 2021, the singer’s name appeared in the press again – this time in connection with the release of Dua Lipa’s new album, Club Future Nostalgia. The disc is based on remixes of hits by Madonna, Mark Ronson and Stefani herself.
Music career
In 1986, the elder brother of the heroine of our story today, Eric, founded the group “No Doubt”, which at that time played music in the ska style. His younger sister joined the team. After No Doubt singer John Spence committed suicide, Gwen became the band's lead singer.
Gwen Stefani performing with No Doubt at the Voodoo 2002 festival
The rockers’ first two albums were not successful, but the third album, “Tragic Kingdom,” with the hits “Dont Speak” and “Just a Girl,” which Gwen participated in, made the musicians stars.
Stefani's solo career started in 2000 after the release of the single "South Side", which Gwen helped Moby record. A year later, the singer’s repertoire included the song “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” in which Eve’s voice can also be heard. This hit brought Stefani a Grammy statuette.
In 2004, Gwen’s first solo album, “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.”, which reached number one in Australia, number four in the UK and number five on Billboard. The songs on the album were very different from No Doubt's hits. Stephanie recorded a record in the pop style of the eighties. According to critics, the songs sounded like early Madonna. In addition, Gwen became a blonde, which brought her even closer to the legend of world pop music.
Gwen Stefani
Stefani's hit "Hollaback Girl" is the first song in the world to be downloaded more than one million times on iTunes.
Gwen's second solo album, The Sweet Escape, featured an electronic sound and contained dance hits.
In 2014, Stephanie entered the seventh season of the popular American television show “The Voice” as a judge.
Gwen Stefani on the TV show "The Voice"
The third album, “This Is What The Truth Feels Like,” was released in 2016 and immediately took first place on the Billboard charts. At the same time, Gwen voiced DJ Sounds in the animated Trolls and recorded 5 compositions for the animated film.
A year later, Stefani delighted her fans with the new album “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” and in 2021 she returned as a judge on “The Voice.”
Television and films
Gwen is remembered for her episodic roles in films. Perhaps the blonde beauty’s most striking appearance on the silver screen was her participation in the film “The Aviator.” Gwen played Jean Harlow, and her partners on the set were Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett. The performer had the opportunity to play herself in the comedy Zoolander with Ben Stiller, in the films and TV series Dawson's Creek, and Gossip Girl. Songs performed by Gwen and No Doubt were heard in dozens of films.
In 2014, Gwen joined the jury of the show “The Voice”, replacing Christina Aguilera, which was unexpected for the singer herself. A year later, the artist was invited to The Voice as a guest advisor. Then, for several years, Stephanie appeared in the project in these statuses. In 2021, the performer replaced Adam Levine after the Maroon 5 leader left the program after 16 seasons.
Other projects
In 2003, Gwen founded her clothing brand LAMB. In an interview, the singer admitted that she had been interested in sewing since childhood. So, for a school talent competition, the future stage star created a dress inspired by the image of Maria Rainer from the popular musical film “The Sound of Music.” And at the age of 17, Stephanie made another costume, repeating the dress of Grace Kelly in the film “Rear Window” by Alfred Hitchcock.
The vocalist was taught to sew and cut by her mother. Currently, Stephanie's brand products include clothing, bags, watches, shoes, perfume and other items. The brand gained popularity, including among celebrities: Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan and others appeared in items designed by Stephanie.
Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?
In 2014, the artist collaborated with OPI Products Inc. released a series of nail polishes. In addition, she developed a camera design for Hewlett-Packard – HP Photosmart R607 Harajuku Lovers Digital Camera.
Shortly after the 2011 Japan earthquake, Stephanie donated $1 million to help affected Japanese children through the international human rights organization Save the Children. In addition, the singer held an auction: she put up for sale her own collection of Harajuku Lovers T-shirts and a number of other things.
In the same year, for charitable purposes, the American presented for sale a lace evening dress, which she had previously worn at the Cannes Film Festival and posed at a photo shoot for L'Oreal. The outfit was designed by Stephanie herself. The lot sold for more than $125 thousand.
Gwen Stefani | HOCHU.UA
Gwen Renee Stefani was born into a family of a marketer at Yamaha and an accountant.
Profession:
singer, designer
Date of birth:
October 3, 1969
Height and weight:
168 cm. 52 kg.
Place of birth:
Fullerton, California, USA
Best works:
Let Me Blow Ya Mind
Awards:
Grammy Awards
Social networks:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
The singer received her name in honor of Gwen Meighen, the heroine of Arthur Hailey's novel Airport (1968), and her middle name, Renee, was inspired by her parents' song Walk Away Renée by The Left Banke.
Gwen Stefani began singing as a child, accompanying herself with her older brother's piano. The little girl was also fond of embroidery and often remade purchased ready-made items, changing them beyond recognition.
Gwen graduated from Loar High School in 1987, where she was on the swim team and played flute in the school orchestra. As a schoolgirl, she appeared on stage for the first time, performing the song On My Radio at a talent competition.
A lover of drawing, after graduating from high school, she enrolled in art courses at Fullerton College. The future star combined her studies with work, first in the fast food Dairy Queen, then in the perfume and cosmetics department of the Broadway department store in Los Angeles. Then Gwen Stefani entered California State University.
Gwen began her musical career in the ska group No Doub from the founding of the group in 1986, getting there thanks to her older brother, who was one of the founders of the group. At first, the girl was one of the vocalists, but after the suicide of John Spence, the group's vocalist, she took the position of its leader.
Having released two albums No Doubt (1992) and The Beacon Street Collection (1995), the musicians achieved success only after the release of the third Tragic Kingdom, to which Stefania herself had a hand, it was she who participated in the creation of the compositions Just a Girl and Don't Speak, became hits. Interest in the group was also aroused by its vocalist herself - a platinum blonde with bright lips and bright charisma.
Gwen Stefani began her solo career in 2000, releasing the single South Side with musician Moby, and in 2002, together with Eve, the single Let Me Blow Ya Mind, which brought her a Grammy Award.
Her debut solo album is Love. Angel. Music. Baby. was released in 2004. The album sold 310,000 copies in the United States in its first week, peaking at number five on the Billboard Top 200, number five in Canada, number four in the UK and number one in Australia. Her second album, The Sweet Escape
In 2003, Gwen Stefani also announced herself as a clothing designer by creating the LAMB brand, which produces clothing, shoes, accessories and perfumes. In 2014, the singer also collaborated with OPI Products Inc. released a series of nail polishes.
Personal life
Since 2002, she has been married to musician Gavin Rosedale, whom she dated for six years before their wedding. The couple have three sons: Kingston James McGregor (2006), Zuma Nesta Rock (2008) and Apollo Bowie Flynn Rosedale (2014).
Interesting Facts
—Her nicknames are Sunshine and G-loc
— Contrary to popular belief, her real name is Gwen, not Gwendolyn.
— According to the pronunciation standards of the Italian language, the stress in the surname Stephanie is placed on the second syllable
— Developed a camera design for Hewlett-Packard
— Starred in a cameo role in Martin Scorsese’s film “The Aviator” in 2004, where she played Hollywood film star Jean Harlow
— Her first job was mopping floors at a Dairy Queen fast food restaurant, and she also worked in a store.
– Her sister Jill starred in the No Doubt video for the song Just A Girl
Discography
2004 – Love. Angel. Music. Baby
2006 – The Sweet Escape
Awards
Winner of 46 music awards.
Nominated six times for Grammy Awards
Grammy Awards, 2002. Winner: Best Rap Song (Let Me Blow Ya Mind)
Author: Irina Semeiko
Personal life
After breaking up with Tony Kanal, Stefani met Gavin Rossdale, leader of the rock band Bush. Six years later, in 2002, the singer’s fans finally heard the good news that their favorite was getting married. The wedding was luxurious, and the bride shone in a John Galliano dress. In their marriage, Gwen and Gavin had three children - sons Kingston, Zuma and Apollo.
The public received the news that the singer was pregnant with her third child with delight, but by this time the musicians’ marriage had already cracked. After 13 years of marriage, Gwen filed for divorce. There were rumors that the reason for this was the promiscuity of the star’s ex-husband.
However, the vocalist did not lose heart and began to rebuild her personal life, having not yet received divorce papers. Her new chosen one was Blake Shelton, a musician and colleague on “The Voice.” The couple started dating in 2015, and in 2020 they delighted fans with the news of their engagement. Soon the lovers began to prepare for the wedding. In an interview, Gwen said that the musician has a ranch in Oklahoma, on the territory of which he built a chapel especially for the celebration.
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Gwen Stefani and her children
It was planned that the wedding would take place there, and the ceremony itself would be closed - only the relatives of the newlyweds would come. Before proposing to the singer, Shelton asked for the blessing of Stefani's father, as well as the consent of his beloved's three sons.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to the “wedding schedule.” The festive event has been postponed. Earlier, Blake publicly admitted that he would lose a few extra pounds especially for the celebration in order to appear before his future wife in all her glory.
However, on the Stephen Colbert show, the musician jokingly noted that he has not yet undertaken to fulfill his promise, because the wedding has been postponed. As for the singer herself, she looks great - with a height of 168 cm, the artist weighs no more than 55 kg, which allows her to post photos in swimsuits.
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Gwen Stefani's wedding
On July 3, 2021, the long-awaited wedding took place - Gwen became Blake's wife.
Career and creativity
1986 - founding of the group “No doubt”, the first name was “Apple Core”. The founders were Eric Stefani and his classmate John Spence. No Doubt - translates as “without a doubt”, “undoubtedly”, a phrase that John Spence liked. The group performed popular hits of those times, as well as their own compositions. Eric on keys, John as lead singer.
Gradually, members began to be added to the team: Gwen Stefani was called to take the place of backing vocalist, Tony Canal was invited as a bass guitarist. They played ska-punk, like her favorite band, Madness. They received the greatest public recognition only after the release of their third album, “Tragic Kingdom.”
Development has undergone difficult times from the very beginning. The death of the vocalist and the departure of his brother from the band brought about big changes. Vocalist John Spence said goodbye to life with his own hands and shot himself in a city park. Gwen Stefani took his place in the team. Brother Eric ended his musical career, went into the cartoon industry, mastering the craft of an animator, and later created the cartoon “The Simpsons,” which is loved by people all over the world. In the spring of 1989, guitarist Tom Dumont appeared, and drummer Adrian Young appeared in the summer.
The band's debut album appeared on US shelves in March 1992. There was no wild popularity, so everyone continued to do their own thing at the same time: study, work. “The Beacon Street Collection”, the second album, was also not recognized by the public. The third, thanks to the hits “Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak”, which were written with the participation of Gwen, became the beginning of their worldwide popularity as a pop group.
Fact.
The legendary "Don't Speak" was dedicated to the breakup with her boyfriend, bassist Tony Kanel.
The album went platinum, videos were released for the songs, Gwen Stefani was recognized as a sex symbol of the time. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award, and the vocalist won the California Music Awards. Subsequent albums cemented the group's success on the world stage. The group has a total of 7 albums, the last one released in 2012.
2000 - the beginning of Gwen Stefani's solo career. Duets with Moby's single "South Side", then with Eve's "Let Me Blow Ya Mind", helped to remain popular. A daring appearance, a unique manner of presenting oneself, unique voice characteristics, all this could not go unnoticed.
2004 – debut solo album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby." The work took place together with many stars:
- Linda Perry;
- Farrell Williams;
- Andre 3000 et al.
The public appreciated the singer’s voice abilities. The album brought huge success, as evidenced by the large sales volume.
"Hollaback Girl" was the first music song to surpass one million downloads on iTunes and became the most downloaded song on iTunes in 2005. The song received a Grammy Award in two categories. The musical work has been compared to Madonna's early hits. External similarities in the image of the artists can also be traced.
2006 - second album “The Sweet Escape”. Linda Perry, The Neptunes and Akon participated in the creation. Features more dynamic, dance music. One of the main hits was “Wind It Up”, which stood out from all others due to the use of samples from the musical “The Sound of Music”. His collaboration with Akon brought him a Grammy in the category “Best Pop Duo”. The huge circulation of the album undoubtedly brought enormous success to the singer’s work.
2014 – release of the song “Baby Don’t Lie”. The song charted at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon release. They immediately released a video for the song, shot by famous video director Sophie Müller. The duet “Kings Never Die” with the famous rapper Eminem, there is information that the singer dreamed of working with him.
Gwen's talents are multifaceted:
- starred in films, TV series;
- voiced a character in a cartoon;
- released her own nonsense “LAMB”.
Designing clothes has been her dream since childhood. The company eventually launched a line of perfumes, accessories, and shoes. Many stars are delighted with Gwen Stefani's clothes.
Gwen Stefani now
In 2021, the singer continued to engage in creativity. A video in which Gwen repeated her own image from the video for the song Don't Speak gained popularity on TikTok. Thus, the artist decided to congratulate fans on the 25th anniversary of the single. The video delighted fans, who bombarded Stephanie with questions and compliments: why she doesn’t age and has she really turned into a vampire.
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Gwen Stefani now
The singer did something similar earlier – in December 2020.
Presenting her new solo single, Let Me Reintroduce Myself, Gwen appeared before fans in an iconic outfit from the 90s video. The artist also regularly shares news with subscribers on Instagram.
