Sheila E.

Sheila Escovedo picked up the drumsticks and started making music at the precocious age of three, while watching her legendary father, percussionist Pete Escovedo rehearse.  Sheila delivered her first solo performance to a live audience two years later and has since established herself as one of the most talented percussionist/drummers and performer in the world. Best known to music fans as Sheila E., she became a top session and touring musician before the age of 20, performing and/or recording with George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Con Funk Shun and countless others.  Later with Marvin Gaye on his final world tour, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Babyface, Patti LaBelle, and Steve Nicks among others.

In the 1980’s, Sheila’s friend Prince helped catapult her to own pop superstardom. Her obvious talent and hits like “The Glamorous Life” and “Love Bizarre,” plus her pivotal work on other Prince-related projects contributed to her international stardom.  Particularly proud moments include her participation in the “We Are The World” session, and a performance on the Oscars with virtuoso Placido Domingo.

In recent years, she has served as musical director for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce' Knowles, and Prince.  Her producing and arranging talents have been showcased on the Latin Grammy Awards, Summer Olympics, WOW Awards, ALMA’s, and the Image Awards.  Including becoming television’s first female musical director for Magic Johnson’s “The Magic Hour,” Sheila’s enthusiasm for “passing it on” to a new generation of players led her to design “ClassE” Costume Series for adults, and The Sheila E.’s Player Series,” for children, both with TOCA Kaman Music.

Recently she appeared with and played drums for Ringo Starr for a third time as the drummer for his All-Starr Band.  Her current project, an all girl group C.O.E.D. (Chronicles Of Every Diva) is touring world wide and in the studio preparing for a new record release.   Not to mention continues to make public and video cameo appearances with friend Prince, and is host for a newly released documentary chronicling the Taiko drum. 

Despite her commitment to and the demands of making music, Sheila maintains a heavy involvement in charitable organizations, with her passion as co-chair of the Elevate Hope Foundation, focusing on the needs of victims of child abuse, by promoting music and the arts as an alternative form of therapy.

“Giving of myself, and providing for those in need is the best way for me to do God’s will.   I believe we are here to support and encourage humanity in our lifetime. This is the only way to truly live.”