Sheila E. on drums 1

Sheila Escovedo (born December 12, 1957) is best known professionally as Sheila E., an amazing Grammy nominated drummer, percussionist and singer who had a long musical collaboration with Prince beginning in 1983. Previously she had worked with Natalie Cole, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder. After her partnership with Prince ended, Sheila E. worked with Ringo Starr and Gloria Estefan, among many other notable performers. More recently, Sheila E. has collaborated with Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé.

Her first solo album, The Glamorous Life, was released in 1984, scoring #7 on the charts for the single.

In 2011 Sheila E. once again rejoined Prince on stage for his Welcome 2 America Live: 21-Nite Stand tour.

Sheila E. is the daughter of Latin jazz legend and timbalero Pete Escovedo, and is of Mexican American, African American and Creole heritage. Born in Oakland, Sheila E. attended Franklin Elementary School, Montera Middle School, and Oakland High School. 2

Sheila E. performing with her father Pete Escovedo at the SLC Jazz Festival.

Links and References

  1. Sheila E. on Beating Prince at Basketball, Not Rehearsing for the 21-Nite Stand and Whether She's a Better Drummer OC Weekly April 29, 2011 (via archive.org)

  2. Oakland native Sheila E. marks 40 years in music biz San Francisco Chronicle March 26, 2014

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