Rock Royalty’s Son, Zuma Rossdale, is an Unlikely—And Unstoppable—Country Star in the Making
If you were to write a script for the next big thing in country music, you probably wouldn’t start with this backstory: the son of a British alt-rock icon and a California ska-punk queen finding his voice in the heart of Oklahoma. Yet, that’s exactly the story unfolding with sixteen-year-old Zuma Rossdale, and it’s more authentic and exciting than any fiction you could dream up.
Zuma, the middle son of No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani and Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, isn’t just experimenting with country music—he’s commanding a stage with the poise of a seasoned pro. With stepfather Blake Shelton as his biggest champion, Zuma has found the perfect proving ground: the stage at Shelton’s own honky-tonk, Ole Red, where he’s turning heads and earning his stripes one classic cover at a time.
From Rock Royalty to Honky-Tonk Hero
Let’s be clear: this is no manufactured crossover attempt. According to everyone involved, Zuma’s journey into country is entirely self-driven. He’s not just putting on a cowboy hat for show; he’s doing a deep-dive into the genre’s golden era. His setlists read like a love letter to ’90s country, featuring complex, rapid-fire tunes like John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” and paying homage to his stepdad with an early Blake Shelton hit, “Ol’ Red.”
This isn’t just mimicry; it’s genuine passion. This is a young artist discovering a sound that resonates with him, even if it’s a world away from the music that made his parents famous.
The Verdict from Dad and Stepdad
The two most important men in his life are both a little stunned and incredibly proud. His father, Gavin Rossdale, a titan of 90s rock, recently confessed to Us Weekly that his son’s talent is already eclipsing his own. “Zuma’s begun recording. He’s out of control,” Rossdale admitted with a laugh. “I’m not even the best singer in my house anymore.”
Gavin also shared a hilarious, humbling story about Zuma’s sharp musical instincts. After playing one of his new songs for his son, Zuma’s reaction was brutally honest. “He just gave me this look and he was like, ‘You’re not putting that out, are you?’” Gavin recalled. “He destroyed me. He killed me.” It’s clear Zuma has a strong sense of what works, and he’s not afraid to voice it.
Meanwhile, country superstar Blake Shelton is equally in awe. He told Taste of Country Nights that his role is more student than teacher. “Zuma will spend about 20 minutes, him and his guitar,” Blake explained. “It’s not me showing him stuff, it’s him showing me stuff.” For a man with 28 No. 1 singles, that’s a powerful admission. “It’s almost every single day. I love it. I can’t wait til I get home.”
A Blended Family’s New Anthem
With every performance, Zuma proves his dedication is real. He’s not just playing the hits; he’s exploring deeper cuts, covering modern traditionalists like Zach Top and delivering soulful renditions of classics like Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon.” This is a young artist building a foundation on respect for the genre’s roots.
And at the center of it all is Gwen Stefani, the pop-glam icon turned proud country mom, watching her son thrive in a world she embraced through her love for Blake. The image is surreal: a blended family from seemingly opposite ends of the musical spectrum, united by the sound of a teenager with an old soul and a guitar, singing his heart out on an Oklahoma stage.
Zuma Rossdale’s journey is a testament to finding your own path. He’s doing it his way, backed by a family full of love and musical genius. Keep your eyes on that Ole Red marquee—we may be witnessing the very beginning of country music’s next great storyteller.