With powerful effervescence, No Doubt lead singer and lyricist Gwen Renée Stefani (1969– ) shows that music can be a celebration of passionate colors.

“Music is so powerful and it’s such a gift,” she said. “I feel so excited to give it to everyone.”

Born on this day in Fullerton, California, the oh-so-beautiful blonde with charismatic talent (and that famous bare belly) has stayed grounded after leading a garage band to international fame.

“We were a band for nine years before we had any commercial success,” Stefani explained. “And that, in a lot of ways, has kept us really grounded.”

The band’s sound blends familiar ska with new wave, R&B, and Jamaican beats. Stefani’s voice is cooingly sweet with a tinge of growl.

Tragic Kingdom (1995) became the breakthrough, with the mega-hits “Don’t Speak” and “Just a Girl” that helped certify the album multi-platinum. More music followed — Beacon Street Collection (1997), Return of Saturn (2000), and Rock Steady (2001).

Beyond No Doubt, Stefani launched a dynamic solo career with hits like “Hollaback Girl” and “Cool,” while also creating her bold fashion label, L.A.M.B. She reached new audiences as a beloved coach on The Voice, where her warmth and candor shone. In 2021, she married country music star Blake Shelton, blending two musical worlds with joy and authenticity.

“My songs are basically my diary,” she admitted. That fearless honesty made her a pop icon who still feels like the artsy girl from the garage.

Own the quirks. Keep the heart. Let the music be bright — and be exactly who you are.