Mothers of the Music Industry

In lieu of this year's Mother's Day, I bring you three women who have not only proven their strength and independence through the not-so-easy task of motherhood, but who continually prove themselves to the world day in and day out--with their music.

First is the ex-No Doubt/recently-solo pop artist Gwen Stefani, who just had her first child, Kingston James, last May. Stefani announced the pregnancy to the public for the first time in December of last year, onstage during the last stop of her solo tour.

Musically, the artist has been scooping up good reviews since her 2004 solo debut, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., while tracks off her latest album, The Sweet Escape have received favorable airplay.

Next is the country-pop diva Shania Twain, who had her first child, a boy named Eja (pronounced "Asia") in 2001. Married to rock producer Robert "Mutt" Lange, the couple and their five-year-old son currently reside in New Zealand and Switzerland. The Canadian singer/songwriter notably made her mark on the music scene in 1997 with Come on Over, which also established her success as a country/pop crossover artist. She is the only female artist to have three albums certified Diamond and has earned five Grammy Awards.

It's rumored that Shania and her husband are working on a new album, said to be released later this year.

Last is the Scottish pop musician Annie Lennox. As a solo artist and lead vocalist of the duo The Eurthymics, Lennox has received much critical acclaim over the years, even being called "The Greatest White Soul Singer Alive" by VH1. She also has won an Oscar, BRIT, Grammy and Golden Globe Award for her numerous accomplishments in music and film. Lennox is renowned for her early nineties solo singles like "Why" and "Walking on Broken Glass" along with several Eurthymics' hits, notably "Sweet Dreams."

Despite a few failed relationships, Lennox, now 52, is successful not only as a female musician but as a mother as well, raising her two girls, Lola, age 15, and Tali, age 12.