Biography
Who is Sheila E.?
Early life and musical roots
Sheila E. Was born in Oakland, California, on December 12, 1957. Her father, Pete Escovedo, was a professional percussionist who influenced her interest in music from an early age. Growing up in the Bay Area, she studied violin during her elementary and middle school years.
She eventually left Oakland High School during her tenth grade year to pursue professional opportunities. She began her career performing with the group Azteca, which featured her uncle Coke Escovedo. Her upbringing was surrounded by various musicians and performers within her extended family network.
Launch of a solo career
After gaining experience as a percussionist for the George Duke Band between 1976 and 1980, Sheila E. Transitioned into a solo artist. She signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1984. Her debut studio album, titled The Glamorous Life, was released that same year and achieved significant commercial success.
The title track became an international hit, reaching the top ten on the United States music charts. She followed this success with her second album, Romance 1600, in 1985. This project featured the popular single A Love Bizarre, which also performed well globally. During this period, she appeared in the musical comedy film Krush Groove. She continued releasing solo music throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, including albums like her self-titled project in 1987 and Sex Cymbal in 1991.
Collaborations and musical direction
Throughout her career, the musician has worked with various high-profile artists. She performed on Prince's track Erotic City and toured with him on the Purple Rain Tour. She later served as the musical director for his Sign o' the Times and Lovesexy tours.
Beyond her work with Prince, she contributed percussion to recordings by artists like Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Gloria Estefan, and Phil Collins. She also joined Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band for multiple tours beginning in 2001. In 1998, she became the first female musical director for a television talk show when she joined The Magic Hour with Magic Johnson. Her ability to play multiple instruments and lead ensembles has made her a respected figure in the music industry.
Recent projects and awards
In more recent years, she has continued to release music and receive recognition for her contributions to the arts. She released her tenth studio album, Bailar, in April 2024. The track Bemba Colorá from this album won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Her industry contributions have been honored with several accolades, including a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. In 2023, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She remains active as both a performer and a session musician, frequently participating in live events and recording projects that show her percussion skills.
Birthday and age
Sheila E. was born on December 12, 1957, which makes Sheila 68 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Sheila shares the date with 43 other famous people.
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