Sheila E. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Queen of Percussion Sheila E.
Sheila E. performing in 2014
Born	Sheila Cecilia Escovedo (1957-12-12) December 12, 1957 (age 67) Oakland, California, U.S.
Occupation	Singer musician
Years active	1976–present
Parent(s)	Pete Escovedo (father)
Relatives	Peter Michael Escovedo (brother) Coke Escovedo (uncle) Alejandro Escovedo (uncle) Nicole Richie (niece)
Musical career
Genres	Latin music funk Oakland sound R&B soul latin pop
Instruments	Vocals drums percussion
Labels	Warner Bros. Paisley Park Concord
Associated acts	Prince Madonna The E. Family Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band George Duke Cyndi Lauper Namie Amuro Beyoncé

Sheila Cecilia Escovedo (born December 12, 1957) is a famous American singer and drummer. She is known by her stage name Sheila E.. People sometimes call her the "Queen of Percussion" because she is so good at playing drums and other percussion instruments.

Sheila E. started her music career in the mid-1970s. She played percussion for the George Duke Band. Later, she worked with the music superstar Prince. In 1984, she released her first solo album, The Glamorous Life. This album included her biggest hit song, "The Glamorous Life". She also had a hit song in 1985 called "A Love Bizarre". In 2021, Sheila E. received a special Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her amazing career.

Sheila E.'s Early Life and Family

Sheila E. was born in Oakland, California. Her mother, Juanita Gardere, worked in a dairy factory. Her father, Pete Escovedo, is also a famous percussionist. Sheila E. often performs with her father.

Her mother has Creole-French and African roots. Her father is Mexican-American. Sheila E. grew up in the Catholic faith.

Sheila E. has many talented family members. Her uncle is Alejandro Escovedo. The famous musician Tito Puente was her godfather. Her uncle, Coke Escovedo, played in the band Santana. He also started the band Azteca. The TV personality Nicole Richie is Sheila E.'s biological niece. Nicole is the daughter of Sheila's brother, Peter Michael Escovedo, who is also a musician.

Sheila E.'s Music Career

Starting Her Music Journey (1976–1983)

Sheila E. first recorded music in 1976. She played with jazz bassist Alphonso Johnson on a song called "Yesterday's Dream." By her early twenties, she had already played with many famous artists. These included George Duke, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross.

In 1977, Sheila and her father released an album together called Solo Two. That same year, she joined The George Duke Band. She appeared on several of Duke's albums. In 1983, she joined Marvin Gaye's last tour, the Midnight Love Tour. She was one of his percussionists.

Big Hits and Working with Prince (1984–1989)

Sheila E. in 1985

Prince first met Sheila E. at a concert in 1977. He was very impressed by her drumming. He told her that one day she would join his band. They later worked together during the Purple Rain recording sessions. She sang on the B-side of Prince's song "Let's Go Crazy" in 1984.

In June 1984, Sheila E. released her first album, The Glamorous Life. The main song, "The Glamorous Life", became a huge hit. It reached number 7 on the Hot 100 chart. It also topped the dance charts for two weeks. The music video for the song earned three MTV Award nominations. Sheila E. also received two Grammy Award nominations.

Her second single, "The Belle of St. Mark", also did well. Sheila E. toured as the opening act for Prince's Purple Rain Tour. They even had a brief romantic relationship.

In 1985, she released her next album, Romance 1600. The song "A Love Bizarre" became one of her most famous songs. It reached number 11 on the Hot 100 chart and topped the dance charts. Another song, "Holly Rock", was featured in the movie Krush Groove. From 1987 to 1989, Sheila E. was Prince's drummer and music director for his band.

Sheila E. also appeared in several films. These include Krush Groove (1985), Prince's concert film Sign "O" the Times (1987), The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990), and Chasing Papi (2003).

New Music and Health Challenges (1989–1994)

After leaving Prince's band in 1989, Sheila E. released a new album called ... Cymbal in 1991. She went on a short tour in Japan. After returning to America, she faced serious health problems. Her lung collapsed, and she said she was "semi-paralyzed from playing drums in heels for so long."

In 1994, Sheila E. played congas and timbales for Gloria Estefan's album Mi Tierra.

Leading Bands and Collaborations (1996–2005)

Sheila E. in 2000

In 1996, Sheila E. played in Japanese pop singer Namie Amuro's live band. She also led the house band for the TV talk show The Magic Hour in the late 1990s.

Sheila E. has been a member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band three times (in 2001, 2003, and 2006). She often does funny drum "duets" with Ringo Starr during the shows.

In 2002, Sheila E. played on the Beyoncé song "Work It Out". She also played drums for Cyndi Lauper's album At Last in 2004. Sheila E. performed at Prince's concert Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas in 2003.

Forming C.O.E.D. and More with Prince (2006–2009)

In 2006, Sheila E. started an all-female group called C.O.E.D. (Chronicles of Every Diva). The group included Sheila E., Kat Dyson, Rhonda Smith, and Cassandra O'Neal. They released a song called "Waters of Life" and toured in Europe and Japan.

Sheila E. performed with Juan Luis Guerra at the 2007 Latin Grammy Awards. She also performed with Prince again in 2007 at the American Latin Music Awards and in Minneapolis. In October 2007, Sheila E. was a judge on the TV show The Next Great American Band.

In 2008, Sheila E. joined Prince and her family for a performance at Harvelle's Redondo Beach. She also performed with Gloria Estefan on the show Idol Gives Back. Sheila E. played with Prince, Morris Day, and Jerome Benton at the Coachella Music Festival.

The E Family and New Ventures (2009–2012)

In 2009, Sheila E. and The E Family Band performed at the Rhythm on the Vine festival. Sheila E. also won the CMT reality show, Gone Country. This allowed her to create country music. Her first country song was "Glorious Train."

In 2010, Sheila E. released an EP called From E 2 U. It included a song written by Prince, who also played piano on it. She toured with Prince on his 20Ten Tour and Welcome 2 America tours.

On May 25, 2011, Sheila E. performed with Marc Anthony on the finale of American Idol. In September 2011, The E. Family (Pete Escovedo, Peter Michael Escovedo III, Juan Escovedo, and Sheila) released an album called Now & Forever.

In 2012, Sheila E. performed at the Academy Awards with Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer. She also toured with Sy Smith and joined Dave Koz on his Christmas Tour.

Icon and Beat of My Own Drum (2013–2015)

Sheila E. performing in 2014

In 2013, Sheila E. started recording her seventh album. In November 2013, she released her album Icon in the UK. This was the first album released on her own record label, Stilettoflats Music. In September 2014, she released her autobiography, a book about her life, called Beat of My Own Drum. In November 2014, her album Icon was released worldwide.

Recent Work (2016–Present)

In 2016, Sheila E. played drums for the movie soundtracks of Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. On June 26, 2016, Sheila and The New Power Generation led a special tribute to Prince at the BET Awards. The next day, she released a new song, "Girl Meets Boy," to honor Prince.

In 2017, she was the main percussionist for the soundtrack of the film The Boss Baby. Sheila E. also appeared in Fred Armisen's 2018 Netflix comedy special Stand Up for Drummers. She played percussion on several songs for Gary Clark Jr.'s album This Land.

Sheila E. performed and was the music director for the "Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince" concert in 2020. In April 2020, she released the song "Lemon Cake." In July 2020, Sheila E. worked with MasterClass to create "Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion."

In 2023, Sheila E. was featured on Kelly Clarkson's album Chemistry on a song called "That's Right." She is also the band leader for the 2023 CBS game show Lotería Loca.

Honors and Awards

In February 2009, Sheila E. was made an honorary member of the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. This was for her work helping young people through music and art. Sheila E. and her friend Lynn Mabry started Elevate Oakland. This is a group that uses music and art to help kids in Oakland public schools.

In 2021, Sheila E. and her father received the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In July 2023, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was the first solo female percussionist to get a star there!

Music Albums

Studio Albums

Singles (Popular Songs)

See also

In Spanish: Sheila E. para niños

• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart