Gwen Stefani: Not Just an American Cultural Icon but a Person of Virtue

Gwen Stefani is a gorgeous rock-star; the former lead singer of a popular band, and now a solo singer. However, instead of showing the typical rock star qualities of over-indulgence and greed, to me she is a Gwen Stefani was born October 3, 1969, in Fullerton, California. She had two brothers, Todd and Eric, and was raised in Southern California by her parents Dennis and Patti. Gwen's brother Eric, began to take an interest in music as a teen. In 1987, he started the band No Doubt, with friend John Spence. The two asked Gwen to be the singer of the band, and soon began to be quite famous in Southern California as a local band. But soon after their first few performances, band member John Spence committed suicide. This event had a profound effect on Gwen; it was the loss of a friend, and something she never expected. These incidents often challenge people's character; yet Gwen continued to show love toward her family and friends, and show temperance in her decisions. Instead of resorting to drugs or alcohol to deal with her friend's death, she continued to lead a life of moderation, balancing the band with high school. According to her brother, Eric, "Gwen was the glue that held No Doubt together during these hard times, pushing the group to keep trying" (Jeffries 1).

Gwen also began to attend Cal State Fullerton College at this time, where she studied while still maintaining the band and balancing her family life. Eventually, the band was signed to Interscope Records. When their first two albums flopped and were not successful, Gwen's brother Eric decided to leave the band and become an animator for the popular television show, The Simpsons. When all the other members had lost hope in the band, Gwen continued to show faith in their potential. Finally, the group's third album, "Tragic Kingdom", became a hit. With the songs "Just a Girl," "Spiderwebs," and "Don't Speak," the album "reached the number one spot in Billboard and garnered two Grammy nominations" (Jeffries 1). Stefani began to be recognized by the public, and was voted one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People". However, she did not let this go to her head, and continued to work on her next album with the band. Eventually, after their new album's release, Gwen decided to marry her long-term boyfriend Gavin Rossdale. Before she became a star, Gwen had always wanted the traditional, moral life: "A life of marriage, children, and white picket fences" (Jeffries 1). While fame often changes stars minds - and they instead opt for the life of drugs and decadence - Gwen still wanted the traditional life. This, to me, shows that she has temperance, something difficult to do in her line of work.

Today, Stefani has left the band - although they all remain close-friends - and is currently a hit solo star. She portrayed Jean Harlow in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator, and also has her own clothing line called L.A.M.B. She frequently designs items which she donates to charity auctions, showing her use of her talents and fame to help others. For example, she has donated fashions to "Fashions for Relief", an organization that benefits Hurricane Katrina victims. In addition, Gwen participates in many charity benefit concerts; she even recorded a song, along with artists like Rod Stewart and Elton John, which benefited "The Disasters Emergency Committee's Tsunami Earthquake Appeal" (Montgomery 1). She also recorded a cover of Marvin Gaye's song, "What's Going On", with other stars, which benefited studies for a cure for aids.

It is obvious from all of Gwen's accomplishments that she is a talented person; she does not have to do any of the charity work she does. She could act like any other rock star, and engage in a wild life of over-indulgence. Yet instead, she chooses to help those in need, and live a life of temperance.

Works Cited

Jeffries, David. "Gwen Stefani Biography". All Music Guide. 2005.

Montgomery, James. "Gwen Stefani to Record Cover of 'Tears In Heaven'". MTV News. 18 January 2005.