Longevity in the entertainment business is what most artists strive to achieve. Gwen Stefani is one of the few who has been able to grow her musical fan base but also show interest in other ventures. From becoming the lead singer of ska band No Doubt, to branching off into a solo career, to starting her own fashion line, Stefani proves how dedication, initiative and creativity can keep an artist thriving for a long time. Stefani has been in the industry for nearly three decades and as the singer turns 50 on Oct. 3, let's take a look back at some of her most defining career moments.
Paul Natkin/Getty Images
The group No Doubt formed in the late 1980s and landed a record deal in 1990. No Doubt released its debut album in 1992, and although the band was popular in Southern California, the album didn't garner any successful radio singles.
2 of 20
"Tragic Kingdom" pushes No Doubt's star status
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
No Doubt took its ska and punk sound to a new level with its third album, "Tragic Kingdom." The album sold over 16 million records worldwide and spawned hits such as "Just A Girl," "Don't Speak" and "Hey You!"
3 of 20
Grammy Award winner
M. Caulfield/WireImage for The Recording Academy
Although Gwen Stefani had numerous Grammy nominations with her band No Doubt, she didn't win her first trophy until 2002. Rapper Eve recruited Gwen for her hit single "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," and they won for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
4 of 20
"Rock Steady" becomes one of No Doubt's iconic albums
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
In 2001, No Doubt released its fifth studio album, "Rock Steady," to rave reviews. The album garnered hit singles such as "Hella Good," "Hey Baby" and "Underneath It All."
5 of 20
Jimmy Iovine saw her star potential
KMazur/WireImage
Chairman and co-founder of Interscope Records, Jimmy Iovine, saw Gwen's potential early on. She started recording solo records in the early 2000s with hopes of the songs landing on soundtracks, but Iovine convinced her to record the album "Love.Angel.Music.Baby."
6 of 20
Drops first solo album, "Love.Angel.Music.Baby."
Theo Wargo/WireImage for Clear Channel Entertainment
Although No Doubt's success was rising in the late '90s and early 2000s, Gwen wanted to try her hand at a solo career. She released her debut solo album, "Love.Angel.Music.Baby.," in 2004, which spawned hits like "Rich Girl," "Hollaback Girl" and "Luxurious."
7 of 20
L.A.M.B. clothing line comes to life
KMazur/WireImage
After Gwen released her solo debut album, she also saw that time to get involved with other ventures. In 2004, she launched her first fashion line, L.A.M.B., which featured styles inspired by Jamaica, Japan and Guatemala. She eventually expanded the line with fragrances and accessories.
8 of 20
Everyone screamed "B-A-N-A-N-A-S"
Chris Polk/FilmMagic
One of Gwen's most iconic solo tracks is her 2004 hit "Hollaback Girl." Working with Neptunes duo of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo not only gave Gwen a different sound musically but also gave fans memorable lyrics.
9 of 20
Billboard's New Artist of the Year
John Shearer/WireImage
With the success of her debut solo album, Billboard crowned Gwen as its New Artist of the Year in 2005. She was up against competition like Fantasia, The Game and Rob Thomas.
10 of 20
Entering "The Sweet Escape"
Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic
Just two years after releasing her first solo album, Gwen returned in 2006 with her sophomore effort, "The Sweet Escape." The album included singles such as the album title track along with "Wind It Up" and "4 in the Morning."
11 of 20
Sweet collaborations with Pharrell Williams
Chris Polk/PMA2014/Getty Images for dcp
Over the years, Gwen and Pharrell Williams have formed a solid friendship and given fans a number of hot collaborations. One of their first was when Pharrell's production team, The Neptunes, worked with No Doubt on their 2001 hit, "Hella Good." Gwen went on to work with Pharrell with her solo work on songs such as "Hollaback Girl," "Wind It Up" and "Orange County Girl."
12 of 20
Relationship with Gavin Rossdale
Chris Polk/PMA2014/Getty Images for dcp
Gwen met Bush band lead vocalist Gavin Rossdale in 1995. They were married for 14 years and have three children together.
Steve Granitz/WireImage
While Gwen was married to Gavin Rossdale, the couple welcomed three children. She became a mother to sons Kingston, Apollo, and Zuma, and she says being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.
14 of 20
Joins "The Voice" as a coach
JB Lacroix/WireImage
NBC's singing competition series, "The Voice," helps hopefuls jump-start a music career while also being mentored by some of the best artists in the industry. In 2014, Gwen joined "The Voice" as the show's newest coach in replacement of Christina Aguilera.
15 of 20
Relationship with Blake Shelton
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Gwen met country singer Blake Shelton when they were both coaches on the NBC series, "The Voice." They started dating in 2015 and have since released music collaborations such as "Go Ahead and Break My Heart." The two are still going strong four years later.
16 of 20
Glamour's Women of the Year honoree
VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images
Every year, Glamour magazine chooses to celebrate women in the fields of entertainment, fashion, politics and activism. In 2016, the magazine honored Gwen Stefani for her illustrious career in the entertainment business.
17 of 20
Third solo album is a decade in the making
Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
After 10 years since her second solo album, Gwen released her third album, "This Is What the Truth Feels Like" in 2016. The album was inspired by the end of her marriage, with hopes of finding love again.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
After over 20 years in the music industry, Gwen landed her first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with "This Is What the Truth Feels Like." The album spawned the singles "Used To Love You," "Make Me Like You" and "Misery."
19 of 20
Releases first Christmas album
Jim Dyson/Getty Images
Gwen has a warm heart when it comes to the holidays. She released her fourth studio album, "You Make It Feel Like Christmas," in 2017. The singles included a cover of the classic "Santa Baby" and an original track "Secret Santa."
20 of 20
Lands Las Vegas concert residency
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Over the last few years, the city of Las Vegas has expanded its roster of artists with concert residencies. Planet Hollywood booked Gwen for her first residency properly titled, "Just A Girl: Las Vegas" from summer 2018 through fall 2019.