“conga drum masterclass… sugary ballads, Latin grooves” – Guardian
2021 LATIN GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
One of life’s constants for Sheila E. comes down to a simple phrase: follow the beat. And her impeccable inner rhythm is the pulse behind a trailblazing career that still knows no bounds.
Family, faith and music were guiding forces for Sheila E. growing up in the Bay Area. In addition to percussionist dad Pete, the Oakland native counts former Santana member/Azteca founder Coke Escovedo and The Dragons frontman Mario Escovedo as uncles. Fellow Latin star Tito Puente was her godfather. In addition to being weaned on Latin jazz and Motown, Sheila E. was exposed to a diverse array of Bay Area acts. Those influences ranged from the rock of Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead to the R&B/pop of the Pointer Sisters and the funk of Sly & the Family Stone.
It’s no surprise that after such a music-immersive childhood, the gifted world-class drummer and percussionist began amassing an impressive string of credits. She performed not only with her dad but also with pioneering talents like George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Prince, Ringo Starr, Gloria Estefan, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.
A fearless multi-instrumentalist, Sheila is also the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter behind the seminal hits “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.” This renaissance woman is equally proficient in percussion, guitar, and bass, as well as an actress, mentor and philanthropist.
Following a Bay Area gig in the late ‘70s, Sheila E. met Prince backstage. Their Purple Rain recording sessions—including her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City”—morphed into launching her solo career that same year. She added to her arsenal of credits by performing at the 2012 Academy Awards with pop hitmaker Pharrell Williams and composer Hans Zimmer. Sheila E. was also among the roster of stars chosen to perform at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors whose honorees included artists Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana.
Recommended for Fans of Prince, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson and Lenny Kravitz.
Learn More: https://sheilae.com/
