Sheila Escovedo, known professionally as Sheila E., is a renowned American drummer, singer, and percussionist. She has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including Jennifer Lopez, Kanye West, Lionel Richie, Prince, Billy Cobham, Hans Zimmer, Ringo Starr, George Duke, and Beyoncé.
Born on December 12, 1957, in Oakland, California, Sheila E. is the daughter of Pete Escovedo, a well-known percussionist, and Juanita Gardere, who worked in a dairy factory. Her musical talent runs deep in her family. A proud member of Mexican heritage, she is surrounded by a legacy of musicians. Her godfather was legendary percussionist Tito Puente; her uncle Javier Escovedo founded the punk band The Zeros; Mario Escovedo fronted the long-running indie rock group The Dragons; and her late uncle Coke Escovedo co-founded the Latin rock band Azteca. Sheila E. is also related to television personality Nicole Richie.
Sheila E. began her professional music career at the age of 18 in 1976. She made her debut performing jazz alongside bassist Alphonso Johnson on the album Yesterday's Dream. Her early collaborations included performances with notable figures such as Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye. Over the decades, Sheila E. has proven to be a multitalented artist, mastering various instruments including vocals, guitar, bass, percussion, and drums. She has seamlessly worked across a wide range of genres, including Latin jazz, jazz fusion, pop, funk, and pop rock, demonstrating her exceptional versatility and musicianship.
Sheila E.’s professional and personal relationship with Prince played a significant role in her rise to mainstream fame. According to her biography, she first met Prince in 1978 after a concert where she performed with her father. Prince remarked to her that he and his bassist had debated over which of them would marry her—a flirtatious comment that eventually led to both a romantic and professional partnership. Sheila E. joined Prince in the studio and contributed vocals to “Erotic City” and “Let’s Go Crazy,” part of his iconic Purple Rain project in 1984.
That same year, she achieved solo success with the hit “The Glamorous Life,” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for multiple weeks. Her collaboration with Prince not only boosted her career but also showcased her capabilities as a lead performer, songwriter, and bandleader.
| Birth Date: | 12 Dec, 1957 |
| Age: | 62 yrs |
| Occupations: | Singer Drummer Percussionist Singer-songwriter |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Oakland |
| Education: | Oakland High School |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American singer and percussionist |
| Twitter Id: | Sheilaedrummer |
| Net Worth 2021: | 12 million |
