Topically Yours - Drummer-singer Sheila E

Rainbow Soul

Deardra Shuler, host of Topically Yours, talks with drummer and entertainer, Sheila E. Sheila Escovedo, aka Sheila E, is a percussionist, singer, author, actress, and was a protegee of Prince. Born into a musical family in the Bay Area of California, Sheila was influenced by her percussionist father Pete Escovedo, uncles Coke, Alejandro, Mario and Javier Escovedo, and her godfather Tito Puente. In 1977, she joined the George Duke Band as a percussionist and singer, appearing on several of the band’s albums. She also performed with Lionel Ritchie, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross. In 1983 she joined Marvin Gaye’s Midnight Love Tour as one of his percussionists. The following year, Sheila recorded with Prince. She also wrote and co-produced her critically acclaimed 1984 breakthrough album, The Glamorous Life, which earned her two Grammy Award nominations. Her album Iconic: Message4America was released in 1987 and features collaborations with Ringo Starr, Freddy Stone and George Clinton. Sheila E appears with Deniece Williams and Tony Toni Tone on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, NY.