On December 12, 1957, Sheila E. was born in Oakland, CA. As a talented singer and percussionist, she grew up to become famous as one of Prince’s most successful protégés and eventually a star in her own right. Known as the “Queen of Percussion,” Sheila E. continues to bang out hit music and performances as she turns 60 today!
As the daughter of percussionist Pete Escovedo, Sheila E. was destined to pursue a career in music. She started performing at a young age and by her early 20s, Sheila E. had played with a who’s who list of music legends, including Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, George Duke, and Herbie Hancock.
In 1978, she met Prince while performing with her father at a concert. The Purple One was immediately enamored with her. He made it his mission to have her join his band one day. His wish came true when she joined forces with him in 1984 during the recording sessions for his “Purple Rain” album. She lent her vocals to the now classic 80’s songs, “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Erotic City.” In that same year, Prince wrote and produced her first album, “The Glamorous Life.” The title track topped the dance charts and was a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit. It also earned her multiple Grammy and MTV VMA nominations. She performed as the opening act for Prince during his Purple Rain tour. During that time, the two had a romance that resulted in a brief engagement. In 1985, she released her follow up album, “Romance 1600.” The song’s second single, “A Love Bizarre,” is a stirring duet with Prince and became her signature song. She continued to work with Prince, appearing in his concert film “Sign ‘O’ The Times” and acting as the musical director of his band from 1987 to 1989.
In 1989, Sheila E. left the Prince organization and by the early 1990s embarked on a tour in Japan. However, the tour was cut short due to health issues. Playing drums in heels for extended periods of time had taken a toll on her. But by 1996, Sheila E. was back in the music-making game. She performed with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, appeared on Beyoncé’s song “Work It Out,” played percussion for Cyndi Lauper’s album, “At Last,” and returned to the stage with Prince at the 2006 BRIT Awards.
In 2016, after Prince’s death, she honored him with the release of her song, “Girl Meets Boy.” She also took to the stage with the New Power Generation in a tribute to Prince at the 2016 BET Awards. This September, she released her latest studio album, “Iconic: Message 4 America.” With an all-star roster of guest artists, including George Clinton and Bootsy Collins, Sheila E. reimagined classic songs that celebrate American unity, like “Come Together” and “Everyday People.” In a recent interview with Billboard, she explained the message behind her album: “Freedom has never been free. And now is the time to get involved and fight for those rights which make for a better country for all Americans.”
Thank you to Sheila E. for always dancing to the beat of your own drum. Happy Birthday!