Gwen Stefani, the queen of Ska. She has enjoyed a hugely successful music career, has her own fashion label and has one of the most unique and memorable styles around, this is why she is my number three.
Born in California on the 3rd of October 1969 Gwen is another rock chick to grow up in a Roman catholic household. Gwen gets her interesting name from her mother who named her after a stewardess from the 1968 novel Airport. Gwen attended Loara High School where she made her first on stage appearance. She graduated in 1987 and attended Fullerton College, she then transferred to California State University.
Gwen Stefani is no doubt most famous as the lead singer of the band "No Doubt". Gwen and her brother Eric were the founders of the band, forming it in 1986 they called themselves Apple Core, Gwen sang backup vocals. After about a year Eric decided to get a serious group together, the line up for the band was; Eric Stefani (Keyboards), Jerry McMahon (Guitar), Chris Leal (Bass), Gabe Gonzalas (Trumpet) and Gwen Stefani and John Spence (Vocals). They all practised in the Stefani's garage. After they played a couple or early shows Tony Kanal joined the band as the bassist. Tony also dated Gwen.
The band were doing well until tragedy struck when lead singer John Spence committed suicide just days before a gig at The Roxy Theatre, which was especially for record industry employees. The band split up but decided to reform after a few weeks, Gwen eventually took over the role of lead singer.
The band changed line up many times, Tom Dumont joined as the new guitarist and Adrian Young became their new drummer. However it was Gwen's powerful on stage presence that really attracted the fans.
The bands success grew and grew and in 1990 they singed to Interscope records, it was with them that they released their self-titled début album. However this album failed to make it into mainstream success.
Eventually Eric quit the band 1994 due to lack of creative control, Tony and Gwen also broke up. Interscope became unsure of what to do with the band and so sub-licensed them to Trauma Records. It was with Trauma Records that No Doubt found super stardom. Their album Tragic Kingdom was mostly written about Tony and Gwen relationship breakdown, the song "Don't Speak" was especially sang by Gwen about Tony and is one of their most famous songs.
The band went on to enjoy international fame and success, with five studio albums and many Grammy and MTV awards.
In 2004 they went on Hiatus and Gwen enjoyed a solo Career producing dance/pop albums. Her first album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby" reached triple platinum status and her second "The Sweet Escape" was also hugely popular.
Gwen also launched her own clothing line L.A.M.B. which includes a line of clothes inspired by her love for Japanese culture.
No Doubt reformed in 2008 and our now currently working on new material.
Gwen Stefani made it into the top three on my list for many reasons. She is hugely influential and inspiring. Her 1940's Hollywood make-up and punk clothing give her unique style, which is something every rock chick should have. Her voice also has a very original sound to it and you would know when you were listening to a Gwen Stefani record. She's powerful and has and incredible presence on stage and in my opinion there is no one else like her.
Check out Gwen's Facebook page bellow, also see No Doubt's video for their infamous single "Don't speak" below.
Don't Speak is such a brilliant song. Love it.
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