Stefani, Gwen(dolyn) Renée (1969- )

US pop vocalist, lead singer of the band No Doubt. Their ska-inspired smooth pop contrasted with the grunge movement of the mid-1990s and became an unanticipated success. Their album Tragic Kingdom (1995), featuring the hugely successful single ‘Don't Speak’, was an international hit, topping album charts in the UK, USA, and Canada. Stefani also had solo success with the album Love. Angel. Music. Baby (2004) and the singles ‘Let Me Blow Your Mind’ (2001) and Rich Girl (2004), both collaborations with US rapper Eve. She won the 2005 Brit Award for Best International Female Solo Artist.

Other No Doubt albums include Return of Saturn (2000) and Rock Steady (2001), featuring the hit singles ‘Hey Baby’ and ‘Underneath It All’. Stefani made her acting debut in 2004 with a small role in Martin Scorsese's film The Aviator.

Stefani was born in Orange County, California, where she was influenced by punk and ska music from the UK. The band was formed by Gwen's brother Eric Stefani and his friend John Spence in 1986. Bass player Tony Kanal joined later, and Gwen supported Spence on vocals. When Spence committed suicide in 1987, Gwen became the lead vocalist, and the band played parties and small local venues. In 1989 guitarist Tom Dumont and drummer Adrian Young joined the band. Red Hot Chili Peppers bass guitarist Flea recorded a demo for the band in 1990, which led to a record contract with Interscope Records. No Doubt released their self-titled debut two years later. The album was not a commercial success, and the group self-released The Beacon Street Collection in 1995, which fared better. Tragic Kingdom featured the hit singles ‘Just A Girl’ and ‘Spiderwebs’.