Editing Sheila E.

{{Short description|American singer and percussionist (born 1957)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Sheila E.
| image              = Sheila E. 2014.jpg
| birth_name         = Sheila Cecilia Escovedo
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1957|12|12}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=Sheila E. Biography & History |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sheila-e-mn0000019953/biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=13 September 2020 |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saner |first1=Emine |title=Sheila E: 'I'm mad that Prince isn't here any more' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/11/sheila-e-im-mad-that-prince-isnt-here-any-more |website=The Guardian |access-date=13 September 2020 |date=11 September 2020}}</ref>
| birth_place        = [[Oakland, California]], U.S.
| caption            = Sheila E. performing in 2014
| occupation         = {{flatlist |
*Singer 
*songwriter
*musician
*record producer
}}
| years_active       = 1976–present
| father             = [[Pete Escovedo]]
| relatives          = {{plain list|
* [[Peter Michael Escovedo]] (brother)
* [[Coke Escovedo]] (uncle)
* [[Alejandro Escovedo]] (uncle)
* [[Nicole Richie]] (niece)
}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist| embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| instrument = {{Flatlist |
* Vocals
* drums
* percussion
}}
| genre = {{flatlist |
* [[Pop music|Pop]]
* [[Latin pop]]
* [[funk]]
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
* [[Salsa music|salsa]]}}
| associated_acts = {{Flatlist |
* [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]
* The E. Family
* [[Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band]]
* [[George Duke]]
}}
| label = {{Flatlist |
* Stiletto Flats Music
* [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]]
* [[Paisley Park Records|Paisley Park]]
* [[Concord Records|Concord]]
}} 
| website = {{URL|sheilae.com}}
}}
}}

'''Sheila Cecilia Escovedo'''<ref>{{cite book |author2=Wendy Holden |author=Sheila E. |title=The Beat Of My Own Drum: A Memoir |date=June 23, 2015 |publisher=Atria Books |isbn=978-1-4767-1496-7 |page=11 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IDroCQAAQBAJ&dq=sheila+cecilia+escovedo&pg=PA11 |access-date=2024-07-11}}</ref> (born December 12, 1957), known under the stage name '''Sheila E.''', is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Regarded as one of the greatest musicians of her generation; she is known for skills as a multi-instrumentalist, often preferring to play drums or percussion. She is sometimes referred to as the [[Honorific nicknames in popular music|"Queen of Percussion"]].<ref>[http://news.hamlethub.com/ridgefield/events/43328-the-queen-of-percussion-grammy-nominated-sheila-e-will-wow-at-the-ridgefield-playhouse-on-sunday-june-1 The Queen of Percussion, Grammy nominated Sheila E. will wow at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, June 1]. Hamlet Hub. Retrieved December 10, 2016</ref> Her music incorporated a wide variety of styles, including [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]], [[funk]], [[jazz music|jazz]], [[Pop music|pop]], [[synth-pop]], [[latin pop]], and [[Salsa music|salsa]].

Born and raised in [[Oakland, California]], Sheila began her music career as a percussionist for [[George Duke|the George Duke Band]] in 1976. She departed from the band in 1980. She rose to mainstream success with release of her debut album ''[[The Glamorous Life (album)|The Glamorous Life]]'' (1984) on [[Warner Bros. Records]]. The album's singles "[[The Glamorous Life]]" and "[[The Belle of St. Mark]]" became international hits. The album earned four [[Grammy Award]] nominations; including one for [[Grammy Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist]]. Her follow-up album ''[[Romance 1600]]'' (1985) produced another top-charting international hit called "[[A Love Bizarre]]". She released two more albums on Warner Bros. Records: ''[[Sheila E. (album)|Sheila E.]]'' (1987) and ''[[Sex Cymbal]]'' (1991). 

In 2021, she received a [[Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]]. In July 2023, she received a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]. In April 2024, she released her ninth album ''Bailar''. The album's single "Bemba Colorá" won a [[Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance]] at [[67th Annual Grammy Awards]].

==Early life and family==
Born in [[Oakland, California]], Sheila E. is the daughter of Juanita Gardere, a dairy factory worker, and percussionist [[Pete Escovedo]], with whom she frequently performs. Her mother is of [[Louisiana Creole people|Creole]]-French/African descent, and her father is of Mexican-American origin.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141001025556/http://www.bet.com/b-real/relationships/2014/mothers-day/defined-by-mom-sheila-e.html Leading Women Defined by Mom: Sheila E], BET.com. Retrieved October 1, 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/sheila-e-finds-her-own-beat-403 Sheila E. Finds Her Own Beat], ''Ebony''. Retrieved October 1, 2016</ref> She was raised [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cummings|first=Tony|date=2014-01-01|title=Sheila E: World acclaimed drummer and singer and a witness for Christ|url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Sheila_E_World_acclaimed_drummer_and_singer_and_a_witness_for_Christ/52881/p1/|access-date=2021-08-23|website=Cross Rhythms}}</ref> Pete Escovedo and his brother [[Coke Escovedo]] were born in Los Angeles, and they were the sons of Pedro Escovedo who had immigrated from Mexico at age 12.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mary |last=Rourke |title=Pedro Escovedo, 96; Plumber Was Patriarch of Musical Family |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-feb-21-me-escovedo21-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times  | access-date=21 May 2024 }}</ref>

Sheila E's uncles include Javier Escovedo, founder of seminal [[San Diego]] punk act [[The Zeros (American band)|The Zeros]]; [[Alejandro Escovedo]], founder of seminal [[San Francisco]] punk band [[The Nuns]]; Mario Escovedo, who fronted long-running indie rockers [[The Dragons (band)|The Dragons]]; and [[Coke Escovedo]], who was in [[Santana (band)|Santana]] and formed the band [[Azteca (band)|Azteca]]. [[Nicole Richie]] is Sheila E.'s biological niece, the daughter of Sheila's musician brother, [[Peter Michael Escovedo]]. [[Tito Puente]] was her godfather.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxiness.com/story/0,2933,110397,00.html|title=Welcome to FOXINESS.COM|website=Foxiness.com|access-date=October 13, 2019}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]). The link is dead and archive.org is hacked right now.|date=October 2024}}

She has publicly stated that, at the age of five, she was raped by her teenaged babysitter, and this event had a profound influence on her childhood development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/sheila-e-tells-her-loves-being-raped-book-n210591/|title=Sheila E. Tells of Her Loves and Being Raped in Book|website=nbcnews.com|date=September 24, 2014 }}</ref>

==Career==
===1976–1983: Beginnings===
In 1976, Escovedo debuted on [[jazz]] bassist [[Alphonso Johnson]] on ''[[Yesterday's Dreams (Alphonso Johnson album)|Yesterday's Dream]]''. In 1977, Escovedo and her father Pete Escovedo released an album called ''Solo Two'', credited to Pete and Sheila Escovedo. In the same year, she joined [[George Duke|The George Duke Band]] as their percussionist. Escovedo appeared Duke's albums, including ''Don't Let Go'' (1978), ''Follow the Rainbow'' (1979), ''Master of the Game'' (1979), and ''A Brazilian Love Affair'' (1980). In 1978, Escovedo and her father released their second album ''Happy Together'' on [[Fantasy Records]]. In 1979, she contributed percussion to [[Michael Jackson]]'s song "[[Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough]]". In 1980, she appeared on [[Herbie Hancock]]'s album [[Monster (Herbie Hancock album)|''Monster'']]. In 1983, she joined [[Marvin Gaye]]'s final tour ''[[Midnight Love|Midnight Love Tour]]'' as one of his percussionists.

===1984–1992: ''The Glamorous Life'' and career breakthrough===
[[file:Sheila E. 1985.jpg|thumb|upright|Sheila E. in 1985]]
In early 1984, Escovedo signed a record deal with [[Warner Bros. Records]] and adopted the stage name '''Sheila E. ''' She began recording her first solo album with singer and musician [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], whom she met at a concert when she was performing with her father in 1977. On June 4, 1984, she released her debut solo album ''[[The Glamorous Life (album)|The Glamorous Life]]''. The album peaked at number 28 on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and sold over 500,000 copies in the United States,<ref name="billboardchart">[https://www.billboard.com/artist/sheila-e/ Sheila E. Billboard Chart History]. Billboard. Retrieved on February 21, 2025</ref> becoming certified [[RIAA certification|gold]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref name="riaa">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Sheila+E.#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum – RIAA|website=Riaa.com|access-date=October 13, 2019}}</ref> The album's lead single "[[The Glamorous Life]]" peaked in the top-ten on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]] and at number one on the US [[Dance Club Songs|Dance]] chart.<ref name="billboardchart"/> The album's second single, "[[The Belle of St. Mark]]", became a moderate hit, peaking at number 34 on the Hot 100.<ref name="billboardchart"/> The song also became ''[[NME]]'''s "Single of the Week".<ref name="Parsons">[[Tony Parsons (British journalist)|Parsons, Tony]] (1978) "Single of the Week", ''[[NME]]'', February 2, 1985, p. 14</ref> The album earned four nominations at the [[27th Annual Grammy Awards]] including [[Grammy Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist]], [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance|Best R&B Instrumental Performance]] for "Strawberry Shortcake", and [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance|Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] as well as [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Song|Best R&B Song]] for "The Glamorous Life".<ref name="grammy">[https://www.grammy.com/artists/sheila-e/2014 Sheila E. Grammy Awards and Nominations]. Grammy.com. Retrieved on February 21, 2025</ref> She also performed "[[Baby I'm a Star]]" with Prince during the ceremony. In July 1984, she appeared on Prince's song "[[Erotic City]]". In November 1984, Sheila began touring as the opening act of [[Purple Rain Tour]]. Shortly after the tour, she signed with Prince's record label [[Paisley Park Records]].

In March 1985, she appeared on the [[USA for Africa]]'s song ''[[We Are the World]]''. Sheila released her second album ''[[Romance 1600]]'' on August 26, 1985.<ref name="riaa"/> It sold over 500,000 copies in the United States, becoming certified [[RIAA certification|gold]] by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<ref name="riaa"/> The album's lead single "[[Sister Fate]]" was released to moderated success, peaking in the top-forty on the US [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|R&B]] chart.<ref name="billboardchart"/> The second single [[A Love Bizarre]]" was a commercial success, reaching number eleven in the United States.<ref name="billboardchart"/> In November 1985, Sheila appeared as the female lead in the [[musical film|musical]] [[comedy-drama]] film ''[[Krush Groove]]'', which spent its first weekend at number two on the U.S. box office and grossed $11 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=krushgroove.htm|title=Krush Groove (1985) – Box Office Mojo|website=www.boxofficemojo.com|access-date=22 November 2017}}</ref> Sheila released "[[Holly Rock]]" as a single from its [[Krush Groove#soundtrack|soundtrack album]] which entered the top ten in the Belgium and the Netherlands.

On February 24, 1987, Sheila released her [[Sheila E. (album)|eponymous third studio album]]. The album featured the single "[[Hold Me (Sheila E. song)|Hold Me]]", a R&B ballad that peaked at number three on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|R&B chart]].<ref name="billboardchart"/> The second single "Koo Koo" peaked in the top forty of the R&B chart. In June 1987, Sheila served as the musical director for Prince's [[Sign o' the Times (film)|Sign o' the Times Tour]]. She also served as musical director during his Lovesexy Tour in 1988 and 1989. On April 10, 1991, she released her fourth album ''[[Sex Cymbal]]''. The album's lead single "[[Sex Cymbal (song)|Sex Cymbal]]" became a moderate hit on the R&B chart, peaking at number thirty-two.<ref name="billboardchart"/>

===1994–2005: Music production and directing===
[[File:Shiela E.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Sheila E. in 2000]]
In 1994, Sheila was a featured percussionist for [[Gloria Estefan]]'s album ''[[Mi Tierra]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/m%C3%AD-tierra-mw0000098094/credits|title=Mí Tierra - Gloria Estefan &#124; Credits &#124; AllMusic|via=allmusic.com}}</ref> In July 1996, Sheila appeared as a percussionist and background vocalist on Japanese singer [[Namie Amuro]]'s album ''[[Sweet 19 Blues]]''. She also toured as the drummer and background vocalist for Amuro's Sweet 19 Blues Tour. In 1998, she played percussion on the [[Phil Collins]] cover of "True Colors". In the same year, she began the music director for [[Magic Johnson]]'s talk show, ''[[The Magic Hour (talk show)|The Magic Hour]]''; making her the first female musical director in television. She released her fifth album ''Writes of Passage'' on October 10, 2000. On August 28, 2001, she released her sixth album ''Heaven''.

In 2001, she began a member of [[Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band]] and toured with the band in 2001, 2003, and 2006. In 2002, Sheila appeared on the [[Beyoncé]] song "[[Work It Out (Beyoncé Knowles song)|Work It Out]]". In 2002, she reunited and performed with Prince during his [[One Nite Alone... Live!|One Nite Alone... Tour]]. In November 2003, she provided the musical arrangements for [[Cyndi Lauper]]'s cover version of "[[Stay (Maurice Williams song)|Stay]]". In 2004, she joined Mexican-American musician [[Abraham Laboriel]] for his New Zealand Tour as drummer and percussionist. In May 2004, she appeared on [[Tonex]]'s song "Todos Juntos" which is featured on his ''[[Out the Box (Tonéx album)|Out the Box]]'' album. She appeared as the music director for [[Amerie]]'s [[2005 World Music Awards|World Music Awards]] and [[Soul Train Awards|The Lady Of Soul]] performances in 2005. 

===2006–2012: C.O.E.D. and The E. Family===
In February 2006, she performed with Prince at the [[The BRIT Awards|BRIT Awards]] and on the ''[[Good Morning (New Zealand show)|Good Morning]]'' show in June 2006. She also performed at the Sonoma Jazz Festival in 2006 as part of Herbie Hancock's band. In the same year, Sheila formed her female band called C.O.E.D. (acronym for Chronicles of Every Diva). The band performed on several live televised shows and also recorded an album that was never released. 

She performed at the 2007 [[8th Annual Latin Grammy Awards|Latin Grammy Awards]] with [[Juan Luis Guerra]]. In mid-2007, she toured with Prince. In October 2007, she appeared as a judge on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] network's ''[[The Next Great American Band]]''. On April 9, 2008, she appeared on the [[Emmy Award|Emmy]] winning program ''[[Idol Gives Back]]''. She took part in the show opener, "[[Get on Your Feet]]", with [[Gloria Estefan]] while the ''[[So You Think You Can Dance (U.S. TV series)|So You Think You Can Dance]]'' finalists dance troupe joined them on stage. On April 26, 2008, she performed with Prince at the [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella Music Festival]]. From May 2 to 6, 2008, she played four sold-out shows at [[Blue Note Tokyo]], the most frequented jazz music club in Tokyo, Japan. On June 14, 2008, Sheila E. performed at the Rhythm on the Vine Music and Wine Festival at the South Coast Winery in Temecula, California for [[Shriners Hospital for Children]].<ref name="aboutrotv">Shriners Hospitals for Children, [http://www.rhythmonthevine.org/index.cfm/id/2/About-ROTV/ "About Rhythm on the Vine,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228092600/http://www.rhythmonthevine.org/index.cfm/id/2/About-ROTV/ |date=December 28, 2010 }} Rhythm on the Vine, 2008.</ref>

On May 30, 2009, Sheila E. and the E Family Band performed at Rhythm on the Vine at Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez, California for the Hot Latin Beats concert. Also performing at the concert was [[Poncho Sanchez]].<ref>Shriners Hospitals for Children, [http://www.rhythmonthevine.org/index.cfm/id/23/Hot-Latin-Beat/ "Hot Latin Beat"], Rhythm on the Vine, 2009.</ref> On December 13, 2009, Sheila E. performed at the Deryck Walcott produced Christmas Jazz held at the Plantation Restaurant in Barbados. In 2009, Sheila E. participated and won the [[Country Music Television|CMT]] reality show, ''[[Gone Country (TV series)|Gone Country]]''. This gave her an opportunity to make country music aided by the country producer, writer, and singer [[John Rich (musician)|John Rich]]. Sheila E.'s first song in the country market was "Glorious Train". A video for the song debuted on CMT on March 7, 2009, following the airing of the episode of ''Gone Country'' in which Sheila E. was announced the winner.

Sheila E. performed two shows at Yoshi's in Oakland, California, on August 15, 2010. At her merchandise stand, she sold an EP ''From E 2 U''.  She toured on Prince's [[20Ten Tour]] and [[Welcome 2 America]] tours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/10/25/sheila-e-is-out-for-rest-of-prince-tour/ |title=Sheila E. Is Out For Rest Of Prince Tour |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drfunkenberry.com/2010/10/14/audio-of-princes-welcome-2-america-press-conference-confusion/ |title=Audio & Video Of Prince's "Welcome 2 America" Press Confusion…Er Conference |publisher=Drfunkenberry.com |date=October 14, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref> In 2010, she joined forces with Avon as a celebrity judge for Avon Voices,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avonvoices.com |title=Welcome to Avon Voices |publisher=Avonvoices.com |access-date=February 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311025653/http://www.avonvoices.com/ |archive-date=March 11, 2011 }}</ref> Avon's first global, online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women.

On May 25, 2011, Sheila performed alongside [[Marc Anthony]] on the 10th-season finale of ''[[American Idol (season 10)|American Idol]]''. On June 7, 2011, she performed on the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' as a part of the show's first "Drum Solo Week". In September 2011, The E. Family consisting of Pete Escovedo, Peter Michael Escovedo III, Juan Escovedo, and Sheila released an album ''Now & Forever''. The album spawned the singles "Do What It Do" and "I Like It". On February 26, 2012, Sheila performed at the 2012 Academy Awards alongside [[Pharrell Williams]] and [[Hans Zimmer]], playing the into and out of commercial segments.<ref name="Vessell">{{cite web |last=Vessell |first=Matt |title=News |url=http://www.sheilae.com |publisher=mtvessell Design Studio}}</ref> On April 17, 2012, Sheila was featured with "Macy's Stars of Dance" on the ''[[Dancing with the Stars]]'' results show.<ref name="Vessell" /> On June 16, Sheila headlined the 2012 [[Playboy Jazz Festival]] at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.<ref name="Vessell" /> Sheila joined Dave Koz on his 2012 Christmas Tour.

===2013–2022: ''Icon'' and ''Iconic: Message 4 America''===
[[File:Sheila E. 9 06 2014 -2 (14978107358).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Sheila E. performing in 2014]]
In November 2013, she released her album ''[[Icon (Sheila E. album)|Icon]]'' on her own recording label Stilettoflats Music. In September 2014, she released her autobiography ''Beat of My Own Drum''.<ref name="Vessell" /> In 2016, Sheila provided drums for the orchestral soundtrack to the blockbuster superhero films ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]'' and ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]''. On June 26, 2016, Sheila and [[The New Power Generation]] led a musical tribute to late singer Prince at the [[BET Awards 2016|2016 BET Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/video/betawards/2016/performances/sheila-e-medley-prince-tribute.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627130500/http://www.bet.com/video/betawards/2016/performances/sheila-e-medley-prince-tribute.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 27, 2016|title=Sheila E.'s Prince Tribute Is EPIC|website=BET.com|access-date=July 4, 2016}}</ref> The next day, she released a single titled "Girl Meets Boy" in honor of Prince.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/article/sheila-e-honors-prince-with-new-song-girl-meets-boy|title=WATCH: Sheila E. Honors Prince in Emotional New Song 'Girl Meets Boy' Inspired by the Latetest Icon|access-date=July 4, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, she was the featured percussionist for the soundtrack to the film ''[[The Boss Baby]]'', which was also co-produced by Zimmer. She was featured in Fred Armisen's 2018 Netflix comedy special ''Stand Up for Drummers''. Sheila played percussion on [[Gary Clark Jr.]]'s album ''This Land''. She performed and served as music director for Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince concert at the [[Staples Center]] on January 28, 2020.

On April 17, 2020, she released the single "Lemon Cake" which was available as an audio track on [[YouTube]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9359539/sheila-e-lemon-cake-prince|title=Sheila E. Sweetly Honors Prince With 'Lemon Cake': Listen|magazine=Billboard|date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> On May 14, 2020, Sheila E. premiered the official video for "Lemon Cake" on Rated R&B.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Premiere: Sheila E. Releases 'Lemon Cake' Video|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2020/05/premiere-sheila-e-releases-lemon-cake-video/|website=ratedrnb.com|date=May 14, 2020|access-date=2020-05-19}}</ref> In July 2020, Sheila E. collaborated with [[MasterClass]] to create "Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion"<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/6VY1tcHoHTI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20201106142508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VY1tcHoHTI&feature=youtu.be Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VY1tcHoHTI|title=Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion &#124; Official Trailer &#124; MasterClass|date=July 9, 2020 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 

===2022–present: ''Bailar''===
In 2023, Sheila was featured on [[Kelly Clarkson]]'s song "That's Right" which appears on her album [[Chemistry (Kelly Clarkson album)|''Chemistry'']] (2023).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/mine-kelly-clarkson-releases-two-144022318.html|title='mine / me': Kelly Clarkson releases two singles from forthcoming post-divorce album|last=O'Donnell|first=Eoghan|date=14 April 2023|access-date=15 April 2023}}</ref> Sheila became the music director for the 2023 CBS bilingual, multicultural [[game show]] ''[[Lotería Loca]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQndhvSvnKc|title=Sheila E serves as band leader on Lotería Loca|via=www.youtube.com|date=16 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023}}</ref> In April 2024, she released her ninth album ''Bailar''. The album earned a nomination at [[67th Annual Grammy Awards]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album|Best Tropical Latin Album]] and the album's single "Bemba Colorá" won the [[Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance]].<ref name="grammy"/>

==Artistry==
===Voice and musical style===
Sheila's voice is classified as a [[contralto]]. She is also renowned as a multi-instrumentalist.<ref name="entertainmentweekly1">[https://ew.com/article/2016/04/22/prince-sheila-e/ Sheila E. reflects on working with Prince: 'We pushed each other']. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref> She is considered a percussion virtuoso and a master of drums, percussion, guitar, and keyboards.<ref name="entertainmentweekly1"/> She has played percussion and drums on all her albums.<ref>[https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sheila-e-mn0000019953#credits Sheila E. Credits]. AllMusic. Retrieved on March 1, 2025</ref> Her music includes various styles of musical genres such as contemporary R&B, jazz, funk, pop, latin pop, synthpop, and salsa.

===Influences===
Sheila names her father [[Pete Escovedo]] as her major musical influence. Aged three, she began copying his hand movements when he played drums. She began working musically with her father during her teenage year. Sheila recorded two albums with Pete Escovedo titled ''Solo Two'' (1977) and ''Happy Together'' (1978).

===Equipment===
{{hidden|style=float:right; clear:right; margin-left:1em; border:1px #aaa solid; width:22em|Signature and custom drums|
* DW Sheila E. Icon Snare Drum
* LP Sheila E. Signature Timbale Set
}}
Sheila E. is known for performing with various and extensive percussion instruments. She is proficient in playing [[conga]]s, [[Bongo drum|bongos]], [[Shaker (musical instrument)|shakers]], [[tambourine]]s, and the [[shekere]].<ref name="greatestdrummersbook"/> Her signature instrument are a custom-made [[timbales]] that equipped with two [[Cowbell (instrument)|cowbells]], referred to as LP Sheila E. Signature Timbale Set and paired with [[Avedis Zildjian Company|Zildjian]] [[cymbal]]s.<ref name="greatestdrummersbook"/><ref name="equipboard">[https://equipboard.com/pros/sheila-escavedo-sheila-e?gear=drum-sets Sheila Escovedo's Gear]. Equipboard. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref> Another drum set primarily in her later years are the DW Collector Series Custom Drum Set.<ref name="equipboard"/>

==Legacy==
Sheila E. has been regarded as one of the greatest musicians of her generation. She has been referred to as the "Queen of Percussion" for having become the first female drummer and percussionist in mainstream pop music. ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ranked Sheila at number 58 on its list of 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time in 2016.<ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-drummers-of-all-time-77933/chris-dave-31697/ 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time]. Rolling Stone. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref>

As a performer, she became known for her showmanship as a percussionist and drummer.<ref name="greatestdrummersbook">{{cite book |first=Steve|last=Judkins |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qL8XEQAAQBAJ|title=The 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time…and a little bit about them |access-date=February 27, 2025}}</ref> Eventually in the 1980s, she came to be regarded as a [[sex symbol]] by the media for her innovative and revealing outfits.<ref>[https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/soundcheck/segments/sheila-e Sheila E. On Breaking Down Boundaries And Finding Solace In Music]. WNYC Studios. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref><ref>[https://www.itsthedroshow.com/2019/02/fifsheilae.html Fashion Icon Files: Sheila E.]. The Dro Show. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref> She later expressed her frustration for being viewed as a sexual image. Sheila told ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', "No one knows me for what I do best. But people don't realize I can play drums--I mean really play."<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-11-15-ca-20670-story.html Sheila E. Wants to Shed Her Sexpot Rep]. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on March 1, 2025</ref> She wrote the song "[[Sex Cymbal (song)|Sex Cymbal]]" as response to the "sex symbol" imagery given by the media and released it as the lead single of her [[Sex Cymbal|fourth album]] in 1991.

==Personal life==
===Relationships===
In 1975, Sheila dated musician [[Carlos Santana]], whom she met during the time her father Pete Escovedo played percussion in rock band [[Santana (band)|Santana]]. Their relationship ended when she discovered that he was married to his then-wife [[Deborah Santana|Deborah King]]. 
In 1984, she was in a romantic relationship with Prince while he was still in a relationship with [[Susannah Melvoin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Possessed: The Rise and Fall of Prince |author=Alex Hahn |publisher=Billboard Books |year=2003}}</ref> In the late 1989, they became engaged during Prince's Lovesexy Tour.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7341899/sheila-e-prince-memorial Sheila E. Looks Back on Prince: Their Collaborations, Engagement & Lifelong Love]. ''Billboard''. Retrieved December 10, 2016</ref> She later ended the engagement in late 1989.

===Health===
In late 1991, Sheila was hospitalized shortly after returning from her tour in Japan. She experienced a collapsed lung after a failed acupuncture treatment punctured her left lung.<ref name="crossrhythms">[http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Sheila_E_World_acclaimed_drummer_and_singer_and_a_witness_for_Christ/52881/p1/ Sheila E: World acclaimed drummer and singer and a witness for Christ]. Cross Rhythms UK. Retrieved December 10, 2016</ref> Following the collapsed lung, she also became semi-paralyzed due to her calf muscle becoming degraded due to wearing high heels while playing drums. She underwent a two-week long treatment to rebuild her calf muscle and regain the ability to walk.<ref name="crossrhythms"/><ref name="latina">[http://www.latina.com/entertainment/music/exclusive-sheila-e-says-she-survived-childhood-abuse Exclusive: Sheila E. Says She Survived Childhood Abuse]. Latina Magazine. Retrieved December 10, 2016</ref>

==Achievements==
Throughout her career, Sheila E. has earned numerous awards and honors. She has won two [[Grammy Awards]] (including a [[Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]]),<ref name="latingrammy">{{cite web |title=The Latin Recording Academy® to Honor Martinho da Vila, Emmanuel, Sheila E. & Pete Escovedo, Fito Páez, Milly Quezada, Joaquín Sabina and Gilberto Santa Rosa With the Lifetime Achievement Award |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005582/en/The-Latin-Recording-Academy®-to-Honor-Martinho-da-Vila-Emmanuel-Sheila-E.-Pete-Escovedo-Fito-Páez-Milly-Quezada-Joaquín-Sabina-and-Gilberto-Santa-Rosa-With-the-Lifetime-Achievement-Award/ |website=[[Business Wire]] |access-date=August 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624140510/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005582/en/The-Latin-Recording-Academy%C2%AE-to-Honor-Martinho-da-Vila-Emmanuel-Sheila-E.-Pete-Escovedo-Fito-P%C3%A1ez-Milly-Quezada-Joaqu%C3%ADn-Sabina-and-Gilberto-Santa-Rosa-With-the-Lifetime-Achievement-Award/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |date=June 24, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> two [[American Music Awards]] nominations, three [[MTV Video Music Awards]] nominations, and two [[Primetime Emmy Awards]] nominations.<ref>[https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/sheila-e Sheila E. - Television Academy]. Television Academy. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref> In February 2009, she became an honorary member of [[Tau Beta Sigma]] National Honorary Band Sorority by the Eta Delta Chapter located at [[Howard University]] in recognition of her humanitarian efforts through and in music. She is also an inductee of the [[National Museum of African American History and Culture]],<ref>[https://nmaahc.si.edu/latinx/sheila-e Sheila E. National Museum of African American History and Culture]. National Museum of African American History and Culture. Retrieved on February 26, 2025</ref> and the [[Modern Drummer|Modern Drummer Hall of Fame]],<ref name="moderndrummer">[https://www.moderndrummer.com/2021/07/sheila-e-is-crowned-first-female-winner-of-the-modern-drummer-readers-poll-hall-of-fame/#:~:text=As%20this%20year's%20winner%2C%20Sheila,'t%20be%20the%20last.%E2%80%9D&text=The%20first%20reader's%20poll%20appeared,with%20this%20honor%20in%20November. Sheila E. is Crowned First Female Winner of the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame]. Modern Drummer. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref> making her the first female to receive this achievement.<ref name="moderndrummer"/> Sheila was honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ksby.com/sheila-e-receives-a-star-on-hollywood-s-walk-of-fame#:~:text=Sheila%20E.-,receives%20a%20star%20on%20Hollywood%27s%20Walk%20of%20Fame,percussionist%20to%20receive%20the%20honor | title=Sheila E. Receives a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame | date=July 13, 2023 }}</ref><ref name="2021 recipients">{{cite web |title=The Latin Recording Academy® to Honor Martinho da Vila, Emmanuel, Sheila E. & Pete Escovedo, Fito Páez, Milly Quezada, Joaquín Sabina and Gilberto Santa Rosa With the Lifetime Achievement Award |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005582/en/The-Latin-Recording-Academy®-to-Honor-Martinho-da-Vila-Emmanuel-Sheila-E.-Pete-Escovedo-Fito-Páez-Milly-Quezada-Joaquín-Sabina-and-Gilberto-Santa-Rosa-With-the-Lifetime-Achievement-Award/ |website=[[Business Wire]] |access-date=August 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624140510/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005582/en/The-Latin-Recording-Academy®-to-Honor-Martinho-da-Vila-Emmanuel-Sheila-E.-Pete-Escovedo-Fito-Páez-Milly-Quezada-Joaquín-Sabina-and-Gilberto-Santa-Rosa-With-the-Lifetime-Achievement-Award/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |date=June 24, 2021}}</ref> In 2025, she became the first recipient of [[National Association of Music Merchants|NAMM]] [[TEC Awards]] [[Drum Workshop|DW Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2025.<ref>[https://americansongwriter.com/roland-dw-namm-2025-awards/ Roland and DW Present Patrice Rushen, Sheila E. With Lifetime Achievement Awards at NAMM 2025]. American Songwriter. Retrieved on February 27, 2025</ref>

==Other activities==
===Business and ventures===
In 2012, Sheila founded her own entertainment company Stiletto Flats Music Inc. The company began as a production unit for music. With headquarters in [[Los Angeles]], the company serves as an umbrella for the entertainer's various brands in music, videos, and concert films. Stiletto Flats Music's first production was the concert film ''Sheila E. Summer Tour 2012: Raw And Real, Live In Lugano Switzerland'' (2012). The company has also distributed Sheila's albums: ''[[Icon (Sheila E. album)|Icon]]'' (2013), ''Iconic: Message 4 America'' (2017), and ''Bailar'' (2024).

===Philanthropy and activism===
In 2001, Sheila and [[Lynn Mabry]] founded the Elevate Hope Foundation.<ref name="nbc">[https://www.nbcbayarea.com/local/sheila-e-and-friends-give-back/1981107/ Sheila E. and Friends Give Back]. NBC Bay Area. Retrieved on February 26, 2025</ref> The foundation provided financial assistance to disadvantaged children and children of physical abuse for music programs.<ref name="nbc"/> The music programs teach how to play music instruments and use digital music studio equipment. In 2002, Elevate Hope hosted its first "An Evening with Angels" event. In 2006, the Elevate Hope Foundation hosted the Circle of Passion charity fashion show at Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. In 2011, Sheila, Lynn Mabry, Yoshie Akiba, and Jason Hofmann formed Elevate Oakland (formerly known as 51Oakland), a nonprofit organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2019/09/29/sheila-e-has-performed-prince-michael-jackson-and-ringo-starr-her-music-foundation-helps-inner-city/2440210001/|title=Music legend Sheila E. is playing it forward with a foundation that serves inner city youth|website=USA Today|access-date=October 13, 2019}}</ref> The organization provides music and arts programs to public schools located in [[Oakland, California]]. In February 2014, the organization held a benefit concert.<ref name="nbc"/> As of 2024, the organization annually serves over 3000 students in more than 30 schools in the [[Oakland Unified School District]]. 

In 2020, Sheila donated her drum and percussion instruments to music band Valkyrie Missile after their instruments were stolen and the band began canceling scheduled performances.<ref>[https://abc30.com/sheila-e-fresno-band-gear-stolen-valkyrie-missile-instruments-local/5834069/ Sheila E. donates her drum set to Fresno band that had gear stolen in SoCal]. ABC30. Retrieved on February 26, 2025</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Sheila E. discography}}
;Albums
* ''[[The Glamorous Life (album)|The Glamorous Life]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Romance 1600]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Sheila E. (album)|Sheila E.]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Sex Cymbal]]'' (1991)
* ''Writes of Passage'' (2000)
* ''Heaven'' (2001)
* ''[[Icon (Sheila E. album)|Icon]]'' (2013)
* ''Iconic: Message 4 America'' (2017)
* ''Bailar'' (2024)

==Tours==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Headlining tours'''
* A Love Bizarre Tour (1986)
* Sex Cymbal Japan Tour (1991)
* Sheila E. and C.O.E.D. Tour (2006–2007)
* The E. Family Tour (2011–2013)
* Sheila E. and the E-Train Tour (2024)

'''Supporting'''
* Master of the Game Tour (percussionist for [[George Duke]]) (1979)
* Diana Ross on Tour (percussionist for [[Diana Ross]]) (1980)
* Midnight Love Tour (percussionist for [[Marvin Gaye]]) (1982)
* Sign o' the Times Tour (music director for [[Prince (singer)|Prince]]) (1987)
* Lovesexy Tour (music director for Prince) (1988–1989)
* Sweet 19 Blues Tour (music director for [[Namie Amuro]]) (1996)
* Seventh All-Starr Band Tour (drummer for [[Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band]]) (2001)
* One Nite Alone... Tour (drummer for Prince) (2002)
* Eighth All-Starr Band Tour (drummer for Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band) (2003)
* New Zealand Tour (drummer for [[Abraham Laboriel]]) (2004)
* Ninth All-Starr Band Tour (drummer for Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band) (2006)
* Tenth All-Starr Band Tour (drummer for Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band) (2008)
* [[Prince 20Ten|20Ten Tour]] (percussionist for Prince) (2010)
* Christmas Tour (percussionist for [[Dave Koz]]) (2012)

{{col-2}}
'''Opening act'''
* [[Purple Rain Tour]] ([[Prince (singer)|Prince]]) (1984–1985)
* [[Welcome 2|Welcome 2 Tour]] (Prince) (2011)
{{col-end}}

==See also==
* [[List of number-one dance hits (United States)]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikiquote|Sheila E.}}
* {{Official website|http://www.sheilae.com|Sheila E.}} – official site
* {{Discogs artist}}
* {{IMDb name|246994|Sheila E.}}

{{Sheila E.}}
{{Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portalbar|Biography|Pop music|United States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:E., Sheila}}
[[Category:1957 births]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American drummers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]
[[Category:African-American drummers]]
[[Category:African-American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American contemporary R&B singers]]
[[Category:American dance musicians]]
[[Category:American funk drummers]]
[[Category:American funk singers]]
[[Category:American musicians of Mexican descent]]
[[Category:American performers of Latin music]]
[[Category:American rock drummers]]
[[Category:American rock percussionists]]
[[Category:American soul singers]]
[[Category:American women drummers]]
[[Category:American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Bongo players]]
[[Category:Conga players]]
[[Category:Drummers from Oakland, California]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American musicians]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American women singers]]
[[Category:Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area]]
[[Category:Paisley Park Records artists]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:Rhythm and blues drummers]]
[[Category:Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band members]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from California]]
[[Category:Singing talent show winners]]
[[Category:Soul drummers]]
[[Category:The Blackout All-Stars members]]
[[Category:Timbaleros]]
[[Category:Warner Records artists]]
[[Category:Women in Latin music]]