Sheila E. was born Sheila Escovedo and the daughter of Latin Jazz percussionist Pete Escovdo. Her uncle Coke Escovedo started the famous Latin band Aztec and was a member of Santana. A child prodigy she played the violin at five years and received a music scholarship. Her heart lay with playing percussion as her father, Pete, did and she learned to play the drums and percussion by watching and listening to her father.She proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the drums and toured with her father. Early in her career she performed with Billy Cobham, noted and talented percussionist, who Sheila toured with.
As a percussionist she had performed with Diana Ross, Marvin Gay, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Nicks, and George Duke to name a few. Her reputation was fast growing as a lethal drummer and versatile percussionist with steady studio work. As a female she encountered many challenges and stereotypes playing an instrument associated mainly with men. Her strong will and creativity allowed her to move past mundane perceptions and fast forward to the highest professional standards. Proud of her Mexican , Creole and African heritage she blends all cultures within her music.
The American and global population was introduced to the public when Prince, who followed her career, encouraged her to pursue a solo career. Until her meteoric rise there had not been a female drummer who played, sang, composed music and fronted her own band. Karen Carpenter, of the Carpenters, was a drummer but moved to singing. Sheila Escovedo shortened her last name to the initial E. and Sheila E. was born bringing her Latin tinged infusion to funk and rock music.
She is most well known for "The Glamorous Life" which charted at #7 on the Pop Charts and #1 on the Dance Charts, " A Love Bizarre" a duet with Prince , charting at #11 on the Pop Charts and #1 on the Dance Charts. She released "Hold Me " a ballad which charted #3 shocking many with her ability to sing and deliver a ballad.
She has since moved into music production as the musical director of the Latin Grammy Awards and was nominated for Grammy for music production in 2010 for the Inaugural Hispanic Music Program. Proving that looks alone do not secure longevity she parlayed her talent into a career. Her philanthropic endeavors have generated Arts programs for children with her organization Elevated Hope Foundation.
A woman on the move and who continues to grow Sheila E. is one of the women who can play with the boys and still lead the pack!
As a percussionist she had performed with Diana Ross, Marvin Gay, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Nicks, and George Duke to name a few. Her reputation was fast growing as a lethal drummer and versatile percussionist with steady studio work. As a female she encountered many challenges and stereotypes playing an instrument associated mainly with men. Her strong will and creativity allowed her to move past mundane perceptions and fast forward to the highest professional standards. Proud of her Mexican , Creole and African heritage she blends all cultures within her music.
The American and global population was introduced to the public when Prince, who followed her career, encouraged her to pursue a solo career. Until her meteoric rise there had not been a female drummer who played, sang, composed music and fronted her own band. Karen Carpenter, of the Carpenters, was a drummer but moved to singing. Sheila Escovedo shortened her last name to the initial E. and Sheila E. was born bringing her Latin tinged infusion to funk and rock music.
She is most well known for "The Glamorous Life" which charted at #7 on the Pop Charts and #1 on the Dance Charts, " A Love Bizarre" a duet with Prince , charting at #11 on the Pop Charts and #1 on the Dance Charts. She released "Hold Me " a ballad which charted #3 shocking many with her ability to sing and deliver a ballad.
She has since moved into music production as the musical director of the Latin Grammy Awards and was nominated for Grammy for music production in 2010 for the Inaugural Hispanic Music Program. Proving that looks alone do not secure longevity she parlayed her talent into a career. Her philanthropic endeavors have generated Arts programs for children with her organization Elevated Hope Foundation.
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