Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
7 days ago
United States Sheila E. has established herself as a celebrated American singer, songwriter, and musician, widely recognized for her unparalleled skill as a drummer and percussionist, earning her the title "Queen of Percussion."
Sheila E. founded her own entertainment company, Stiletto Flats Music Inc., in 2012. This company serves as a production unit for music and an umbrella for her various brands in music, videos, and concert films.
Sheila E. played as a percussionist on Marvin Gaye's final tour, the Midnight Love Tour, in 1983.
Sheila E. collaborated with Herbie Hancock early in her career, appearing on his album "Monster" in 1980 and later performing with his band at the Sonoma Jazz Festival in 2006.
Sheila E. contributed percussion to Michael Jackson's song "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" in 1979.
Sheila E. joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band as a drummer for several tours in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008.
Sheila E. collaborated with Beyoncé on the song "Work It Out" in 2002.
Sheila E. was a featured percussionist for Gloria Estefan's album "Mi Tierra" in 1994 and performed with her at the Idol Gives Back event in 2008.
Sheila E. appeared as a percussionist and background vocalist on Japanese singer Namie Amuro's album "Sweet 19 Blues" in 1996 and toured with her.
Sheila E. played percussion on Phil Collins' cover of "True Colors" in 1998.
Sheila E. collaborated with country producer, writer, and singer John Rich after winning the CMT reality show "Gone Country" in 2009, leading to her country song "Glorious Train."
In 2010, Sheila E. joined forces with Avon as a celebrity judge for Avon Voices, Avon's first global, online singing talent search.
Sheila E. performed alongside Pharrell Williams at the 2012 Academy Awards.
Sheila E. performed alongside Hans Zimmer at the 2012 Academy Awards and provided drums for the orchestral soundtrack to blockbuster superhero films "Man of Steel" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," which Zimmer co-produced.
Sheila E. was featured in Fred Armisen's 2018 Netflix comedy special "Stand Up for Drummers."
Sheila E. played percussion on Gary Clark Jr.'s album "This Land."
In July 2020, Sheila E. collaborated with MasterClass to create "Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion."
In 2023, Sheila E. was featured on Kelly Clarkson's song "That's Right," from her album "Chemistry."
Sheila E. and Mimy Succar collaborated on the single "Bemba Colorá" along with Gloria Estefan.
Sheila Cecilia Escovedo, known professionally as Sheila E., was born on December 12, 1957, in Oakland, California, into a family deeply rooted in music. Her father, Pete Escovedo, was a renowned jazz percussionist, and her godfather was the legendary Tito Puente. At age 15, Sheila E.’s musical journey began when she filled in for her father on congas for their band Azteca, during an opening performance for The Temptations. This early start led to collaborations with prominent musicians including Alphonso Johnson, George Duke, Michael Jackson, and Herbie Hancock in the late 1970s and early 1980s, before she joined Marvin Gaye’s final tour, the Midnight Love Tour, in 1983 as a percussionist.
Her career breakthrough came in the mid-1980s following her initial meeting and subsequent collaboration with Prince. She signed with Warner Bros. Records and released her debut solo album, “The Glamorous Life,” in 1984. This album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 28 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and selling over 500,000 copies, earning gold certification from the RIAA. The lead single, “The Glamorous Life,” reached the top ten on the US Hot 100 and number one on the US Dance chart. Her follow-up album, “Romance 1600” (1985), also went gold and featured the hit “A Love Bizarre.” Sheila E.’s association with Prince continued through his tours, where she served as musical director for the Sign o’ the Times Tour (1987) and Lovesexy Tour (1988-1989).
Beyond her successful solo career and collaborations, Sheila E. has made significant contributions to music directing and philanthropy. In 1998, she became the first female musical director in television for Magic Johnson’s talk show, “The Magic Hour.” She toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band in 2001, 2003, and 2006, and performed with Beyoncé in 2002. In 2012, she founded Stiletto Flats Music Inc., her own entertainment company, and released her autobiography “Beat of My Own Drum” in 2014. Sheila E. has also been recognized for her philanthropic efforts through the Elevate Hope Foundation, co-founded in 2001, which provides music programs for disadvantaged children. In 2023, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in April 2024, her ninth album, “Bailar,” earned a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for its single “Bemba Colorá.”
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
