Sheila E. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sheila E.
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Sheila E. performing in 2014
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Sheila Cecilia Escovedo
December 12, 1957 Oakland, California, U.S.
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| Years active | 1976–present |
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Sheila Cecilia Escovedo (born December 12, 1957), known by her stage name Sheila E., is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She is famous for her amazing skills as a drummer and percussionist. Many people call her the "Queen of Percussion."
Sheila E. is known for mixing many styles of music. Her songs often include R&B, funk, jazz, pop, and salsa. She became a star in the 1980s with hit songs like "The Glamorous Life" and "A Love Bizarre."
Over her long career, she has won many awards. In 2021, she received a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She also got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023. Her music continues to be celebrated around the world.
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Early Life and Musical Family
Sheila E. was born in Oakland, California. Music was a big part of her life from the very beginning. Her father is the famous percussionist Pete Escovedo, and she often performs with him. Her mother, Juanita Gardere, worked in a dairy factory.
Her family is full of talented musicians. Her uncles, Coke, Javier, and Alejandro Escovedo, were all in famous bands. Her brother, Peter Michael Escovedo, is also a musician. The TV star Nicole Richie is her niece. Sheila's godfather was the legendary musician Tito Puente. Growing up in such a musical family helped shape her future career.
Career Journey
1976–1983: Getting Started in Music
Sheila E. started her professional career in 1976. She played percussion for jazz musician Alphonso Johnson. A year later, she and her father released an album together called Solo Two. She also joined The George Duke Band and played on several of his albums.
During this time, she worked with many famous artists. She played percussion on Michael Jackson's hit song "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". She also toured with music legend Marvin Gaye in 1983. These experiences helped her become a skilled and respected musician.
1984–1992: Becoming a Star
In 1984, Sheila E. signed with Warner Bros. Records. She began working with the superstar Prince, who helped produce her first solo album. On June 4, 1984, she released The Glamorous Life. The album was a huge success.
The song "The Glamorous Life" became a top ten hit in the U.S. Her next single, "The Belle of St. Mark," was also popular. The album earned her four Grammy Award nominations, including one for Best New Artist.
In 1985, she released her second album, Romance 1600. It featured the hit song "A Love Bizarre," which became a worldwide success. She also starred in the movie Krush Groove. In 1987, she released her third album, Sheila E., which had the popular R&B song "Hold Me".
She also worked closely with Prince as his musical director for his tours. In 1991, she released her fourth album, ... Cymbal.
1994–2005: Working with Other Artists
During the 1990s and 2000s, Sheila E. collaborated with many famous musicians. She played percussion on albums for Gloria Estefan and Japanese singer Namie Amuro. She also became the first female musical director on TV for Magic Johnson's talk show, The Magic Hour.
She released two of her own albums, Writes of Passage (2000) and Heaven (2001). She also toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band several times. In 2002, she appeared on the Beyoncé song "Work It Out". She continued to direct music for live performances, including for the singer Amerie.
2006–2012: New Bands and Projects
In 2006, Sheila E. formed an all-female band called C.O.E.D. The name stood for Chronicles of Every Diva. The group performed on TV but never released their album. She continued to perform with Prince and other artists like Herbie Hancock.
In 2007, she was a judge on the TV show The Next Great American Band. She also performed at many festivals and events, including the Coachella Music Festival with Prince in 2008. In 2009, she won the reality TV show Gone Country, which gave her a chance to record a country song.
In 2011, she performed on the finale of American Idol with Marc Anthony. She also released an album with her family called Now & Forever.
2013–Present: Recent Work and Albums
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Sheila E. started her own record label, Stilettoflats Music, and released her album Icon in 2013. In 2014, she wrote a book about her life called Beat of My Own Drum.
She has continued to be a major force in music. In 2016, she led a tribute to Prince at the BET Awards. She also played drums on the soundtracks for the movies Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
In 2020, she released a new song called "Lemon Cake" and created an online class to teach drumming. In 2024, she released her ninth album, Bailar. The album was nominated for a Grammy, and its single "Bemba Colorá" won a Grammy Award.
Artistry and Influence
Musical Style
Sheila E. is known for her powerful and energetic performances. Her voice is a contralto, which is a lower female vocal range. She is a master of many instruments, but she is most famous for playing the drums and percussion. Her music is a fun mix of R&B, jazz, funk, pop, and Latin styles.
Who Inspired Her?
Her biggest musical influence is her father, Pete Escovedo. When she was just three years old, she would watch him play the drums and copy his movements. She started playing music with him when she was a teenager. This early training helped her become the "Queen of Percussion."
Helping Others
Charity Work
In 2001, Sheila E. co-founded the Elevate Hope Foundation. This organization helps children who have faced hardship by giving them music and art therapy.
She also started another nonprofit called Elevate Oakland. This group brings music and art programs to public schools in her hometown of Oakland, California. It helps thousands of students every year.
Discography
- The Glamorous Life (1984)
- Romance 1600 (1985)
- Sheila E. (1987)
- ... Cymbal (1991)
- Writes of Passage (2000)
- Heaven (2001)
- Icon (2013)
- Iconic: Message 4 America (2017)
- Bailar (2024)
Awards and Honors
Sheila E. has been nominated for many awards throughout her career.
- Grammy Awards: She has received multiple nominations and won for Best Global Music Performance in 2025 for her song "Bemba Colorá".
- Latin Grammy Awards: She received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
- Primetime Emmy Awards: She has been nominated twice for her work as a music director on TV specials.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: She was given a star in 2023 to honor her contributions to music.
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
