History of Gwen Stefani in Timeline
Gwen Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer, best known as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt. The band achieved mainstream success with hits like "Just a Girl" and "Don't Speak." During No Doubt's hiatus, Stefani launched a successful solo pop career in 2004 with her debut album *Love. Angel. Music. Baby.*, which drew inspiration from 1980s pop music. The album produced multiple hit singles, including "What You Waiting For?", "Rich Girl", and the chart-topping "Hollaback Girl," which made history as the first US download to sell a million copies.
2 hours ago : Blake Shelton Refuses Divorce, Prioritizes Marriage with Gwen Stefani Amidst Marital Difficulties
Reports indicate Blake Shelton is against divorcing Gwen Stefani, choosing marriage stability over therapy despite scheduling conflicts and marital strain. He is prioritizing their relationship and actively working to maintain it.
1966: Original Release of "Walk Away Renée"
In 1966, The Left Banke originally released the song "Walk Away Renée", which later inspired Gwen Stefani's middle name through The Four Tops' 1967 version.
1967: Inspiration for Gwen's Middle Name
In 1967, Gwen Stefani's middle name, Renée, comes from the Four Tops' version of the song "Walk Away Renée".
1968: Inspiration for Gwen's Name
In 1968, Gwen Stefani was named after a stewardess in the 1968 novel Airport.
October 3, 1969: Gwen Stefani's Birth
On October 3, 1969, Gwen Renée Stefani Shelton was born in Fullerton, California. She later rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt.
1983: Inspiration from Scarface
In 1983 the movie Scarface released, inspiring Gwen Stefani to modify her image in 2006, inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer's character Elvira Hancock in the film.
1986: Joining No Doubt
In 1986, Gwen Stefani was invited by her brother Eric to provide vocals for No Doubt, a ska band he was forming.
December 1987: John Spence Death
In December 1987, John Spence, the original singer of No Doubt, died and Gwen Stefani became the sole lead singer.
1987: High School Graduation
In 1987, Gwen Stefani graduated from Loara High School.
1991: Signing with Interscope Records
In 1991, No Doubt was signed to Interscope Records.
1992: The Singles 1992-2003
In 1992 the Band began work on a new album without Gwen Stefani.
1992: Release of Debut Album
In 1992, No Doubt released its self-titled debut album, which was unsuccessful due to the popularity of grunge music.
1994: Guest Vocals on Sublime's Album
In 1994, Gwen Stefani contributed guest vocals to "Saw Red" on Sublime's album Robbin' the Hood.
1994: Platinum Blonde Hair Transformation
Since late 1994, Gwen Stefani has typically had platinum blonde hair, having not had her natural brunette hair color since she was in ninth grade.
1995: Meeting Gavin Rossdale
In 1995, Gwen Stefani met Bush lead singer and guitarist Gavin Rossdale when No Doubt and Bush performed at a holiday concert for radio station KROQ.
1995: Release of Tragic Kingdom album
In 1995, No Doubt released their studio album Tragic Kingdom, which included hit singles like "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and "Don't Speak".
1995: Popularizing the Bindi
In 1995, during No Doubt's breakthrough, Gwen Stefani wore a bindi, a forehead decoration, in several of the band's music videos, briefly popularizing it as an accessory after attending family gatherings with Tony Kanal, who is of Indian heritage. The bindi first appeared in the music video for "Just a Girl".
1997: "Don't Speak" tops Hot 100 Airplay chart
In 1997, "Don't Speak" from Tragic Kingdom led the Hot 100 Airplay year-end chart.
1999: Pink Hair and Return of Saturn Cover
In 1999, Gwen Stefani dyed her hair pink and appeared on the cover of Return of Saturn with pink hair.
2000: Billboard ranking
Billboard magazine ranked Gwen Stefani the 54th most successful artist of the 2000 decade.
2000: "Hollaback Girl" on decade-end charts
Hollaback Girl peaked at number forty-one on Billboard's decade-end charts for 2000-2009.
2000: Collaborations and Return of Saturn Release
In 2000, Gwen Stefani collaborated on singles with other artists, and No Doubt released the album Return of Saturn.
2000: Queen of Confessional Pop
In late 2000, Rolling Stone magazine named Gwen Stefani "the Queen of Confessional Pop".
2001: Rock Steady Release
In 2001, No Doubt released the album Rock Steady, which explored more reggae and dancehall sounds.
September 14, 2002: Marriage to Gavin Rossdale
On September 14, 2002, Gwen Stefani married Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale at St Paul's, Covent Garden in London, followed by a second wedding in Los Angeles two weeks later.
2002: Grammy Award for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind"
In 2002, Eve and Gwen Stefani won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind".
2003: Debut of L.A.M.B. Clothing Line
In 2003, Gwen Stefani debuted her clothing line L.A.M.B.
2003: Marilyn Monroe-inspired photoshoot
In 2003, Gwen Stefani's picture from a Marilyn Monroe-inspired photo shoot for Teen Vogue caught Martin Scorsese's eye, leading to her casting in The Aviator.
2003: Release of The Singles 1992–2003
In 2003, No Doubt released a greatest hits collection, The Singles 1992–2003, which includes a cover of Talk Talk's "It's My Life".
2003: The Singles 1992-2003
In 2003, the band was planning to complete it after Stefani's Sweet Escape Tour was finished.
November 12, 2004: Release of Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
On November 12, 2004, Gwen Stefani's debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., was released. It featured collaborations with various producers and artists and took influence from 1980s and early 1990s music styles.
2004: Album Sales
By 2004, the Tragic Kingdom album had sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.
2004: "What You Waiting For?" Single
In 2004, "What You Waiting For?", the lead single from Love. Angel. Music. Baby., was considered one of Gwen Stefani's best singles by Pitchfork, later placing it at number sixteen on their "Top 50 Singles of 2004" list.
2004: Song About Friendship with Tony Kanal
In 2004, Gwen Stefani co-wrote her song "Cool" about her post-dating friendship with Tony Kanal for her debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
2004: Film Debut in The Aviator
In 2004, Gwen Stefani made her film debut playing Jean Harlow in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator.
2004: Playing Jean Harlow
In 2004, Gwen Stefani played original blonde bombshell Jean Harlow in the biopic The Aviator.
2004: Solo Pop Career Debut
In 2004, during No Doubt's hiatus, Gwen Stefani embarked on a solo pop career, releasing her debut studio album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
2005: Expansion with Harajuku Lovers Line
In 2005, Gwen Stefani expanded her clothing collection with the Harajuku Lovers line, inspired by Japanese culture and fashion.
2005: Relationship with Tony Kanal
In 2005, Gwen Stefani reflected on her past relationship with bandmate Tony Kanal, stating that she was heavily invested and desired to have a baby with him. The band nearly split up when Kanal ended the relationship.
2005: Rolling Stone Cover
In 2005, Rolling Stone called Gwen Stefani "the only true female rock star left on radio or MTV" and featured her on the magazine's cover.
2005: "Hollaback Girl" as Signature Song
Since its release in 2005, "Hollaback Girl" has been called Gwen Stefani's "signature song" by Rolling Stone. Hollaback Girl would go on to be the first song to digitally sell an excess of one million copies in the United States and it was certified platinum in both the United States and Australia.
2005: Hollaback Girl Success
Throughout 2005, "Hollaback Girl" gained immense popularity, becoming Stefani's first US and second Australian number-one single. It was the first US music download to sell more than one million copies.
January 2006: Release of 'Crash'
In January 2006, "Crash" was released as the sixth single from Love. Angel. Music. Baby. after Stefani postponed her album's sequel due to her pregnancy.
May 26, 2006: Birth of Kingston James McGregor Rossdale
On May 26, 2006, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's first son, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, was born.
December 1, 2006: Release of The Sweet Escape
On December 1, 2006, Gwen Stefani's second studio album, The Sweet Escape, was released.
2006: Image Modification Inspired by Scarface
In 2006, Gwen Stefani modified her image, inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer's character Elvira Hancock in the 1983 film Scarface. This included a symbol of two back-to-back 'G's, which appeared on a diamond-encrusted key necklace and was a motif in promoting The Sweet Escape.
2006: Release of The Sweet Escape
In 2006, Gwen Stefani released her second studio album, The Sweet Escape, which included the singles "Wind It Up" and the title track.
January 2007: Concerns about Rapid Weight Loss
In January 2007, Gwen Stefani raised concerns about her rapid weight loss following her pregnancy.
June 2007: Forbes Earnings
From June 2007 to June 2008, Forbes magazine reported that Gwen Stefani earned $27 million from her tour, fashion line, and commercials.
2007: "The Sweet Escape" success
In 2007, the single "The Sweet Escape" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart.
March 2008: No Doubt Begins Work on New Album
In March 2008, No Doubt began working on a new album without Gwen Stefani, planning to complete it after her Sweet Escape Tour.
March 28, 2008: Songwriting Slowed by Pregnancy
On March 28, 2008, Gwen Stefani stated that songwriting for No Doubt's new album was slow because she was pregnant with her second child.
June 2008: Forbes Earnings
From June 2007 to June 2008, Forbes magazine reported that Gwen Stefani earned $27 million from her tour, fashion line, and commercials.
August 21, 2008: Birth of Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale
On August 21, 2008, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's second son, Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale, was born.
December 9, 2008: The Singles 1992–2003 in Rock Band 2
On December 9, 2008, The Singles 1992–2003 became available for the video game Rock Band 2.
May 2009: Headlining Bamboozle 2009
In May 2009, No Doubt headlined the Bamboozle 2009 festival, along with Fall Out Boy.
2009: Billboard ranking
Billboard magazine ranked Gwen Stefani the 37th most successful Hot 100 artist of the 2009 decade.
2009: "Hollaback Girl" on decade-end charts
Hollaback Girl peaked at number forty-one on Billboard's decade-end charts for 2000-2009.
September 22, 2010: Wax Figure Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
On September 22, 2010, a wax figure of Gwen Stefani was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian.
June 6, 2011: No Plans for Solo Work
On June 6, 2011, Gwen Stefani stated in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that she had no plans to continue working as a solo artist.
June 7, 2011: Harajuku-themed Tea Party for Charity
On June 7, 2011, Gwen Stefani hosted a private Harajuku-themed tea party at Royal/T in Los Angeles, with proceeds from an eBay auction benefiting Save the Children's relief effort for the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
2011: Auctioning Dress for Charity
In 2011, at the amfAR gala during the Cannes Film Festival, Gwen Stefani auctioned off the lacy black dress she wore at the event for charity, raising over $125,000.
August 2012: Fundraiser with Michelle Obama
In August 2012, Gwen Stefani hosted a fundraiser with First Lady Michelle Obama at her Beverly Hills home.
November 3, 2012: "Looking Hot" Music Video Pulled
On November 3, 2012, No Doubt pulled its music video "Looking Hot" from the Internet after receiving complaints that it was insensitive towards Native Americans.
2012: VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music
In 2012, VH1 listed Gwen Stefani at number thirteen on their list of "100 Greatest Women in Music".
2012: VH1 Ranking
In 2012, VH1 ranked Gwen Stefani 13th on their "100 Greatest Women in Music" list.
January 2013: Cameo Appearance in Portlandia
In January 2013, No Doubt made a cameo appearance in a hot air balloon for the third season of Portlandia.
February 28, 2014: Birth of Apollo Bowie Flynn Rossdale
On February 28, 2014, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's third son, Apollo Bowie Flynn Rossdale, was born.
2014: Style Icon Award
In 2014, Gwen Stefani received the Style Icon Award at the first People Magazine Awards.
August 3, 2015: Filing for Divorce from Gavin Rossdale
On August 3, 2015, Gwen Stefani filed for divorce from Gavin Rossdale, citing "irreconcilable differences".
November 2015: Relationship with Blake Shelton
In November 2015, Gwen Stefani announced her relationship with Blake Shelton, country music artist and The Voice co-star.
April 8, 2016: Divorce Finalized
On April 8, 2016, Gwen Stefani's divorce from Gavin Rossdale was finalized, with the agreement of joint custody of their three children.
2016: "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" Collaboration
In 2016, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton co-wrote the song "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" as they navigated the beginning of their relationship. The duet was featured on Shelton's album, If I'm Honest.
2016: Release of 'This Is What the Truth Feels Like'
In 2016, Gwen Stefani released her third solo album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, which became her first solo album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
2016: Hero Award at Radio Disney Music Awards
In 2016, Gwen Stefani was honored at the Radio Disney Music Awards with a Hero Award for her personal contributions to charitable works.
2017: "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" Collaboration
In 2017, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton collaborated on the song "You Make It Feel Like Christmas", featured on Stefani's holiday album of the same name.
2017: Release of 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas'
In 2017, Gwen Stefani released her fourth solo album and first full-length Christmas album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, charting 19 tracks on Billboard's Holiday Digital Song Sales chart in the United States.
2019: Support for LGBTQ Community
In 2019, Gwen Stefani expressed her support for the LGBTQ community in a Pride Source interview, stating she would be blessed with a gay son and emphasized her desire for her children to be healthy and happy.
October 27, 2020: Engagement Announcement
On October 27, 2020, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton announced their engagement.
2020: Release of 'Nobody but You'
In 2020, Gwen Stefani released several singles with her husband Blake Shelton, including "Nobody but You", which reached number 18 in the US.
2020: Diagnosis of Dyslexia
In 2020, Gwen Stefani was diagnosed with dyslexia.
July 3, 2021: Marriage to Blake Shelton
On July 3, 2021, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton married at a chapel on Shelton's Oklahoma ranch.
2023: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame and OC Hall of Fame induction
In 2023, Gwen Stefani received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the inaugural Orange County Hall of Fame.
2023: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2023, Gwen Stefani received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2023: Comments on Japanese Culture
In 2023, in an interview with Allure magazine, Gwen Stefani discussed her connection to Japanese culture, stemming from her father's frequent travels to Japan. She referred to herself as a "super fan" of Japanese culture and stated that she was Japanese, leading to criticism of cultural appropriation.
2024: Release of Bouquet
In 2024, Gwen Stefani released her fifth studio album Bouquet.
March 2025: Praise for Tucker Carlson Interview
In March 2025, Gwen Stefani publicly praised an interview conducted by conservative talk show pundit Tucker Carlson with actor Jonathan Roumie. Stefani is a speaker for the Advent program on the Catholic prayer app, Hallow.
2025: Billboard Ranking
Billboard ranked Gwen Stefani as a soloist at number 32 on its 2025 "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list and as part of No Doubt, which was listed at number 59.
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