Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sheila E.

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

Discover the career path of Sheila E., from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Sheila E., born Sheila Cecilia Escovedo, is a highly acclaimed American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress. Renowned as the "Queen of Percussion" and one of the greatest musicians of her time, she is celebrated for her exceptional multi-instrumentalist skills, particularly on drums and percussion. Her diverse musical style incorporates elements of R&B, funk, jazz, pop, synth-pop, Latin pop, and salsa.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1991: Release of "Sex Cymbal" and fourth album

In 1991, Sheila E. released "Sex Cymbal" as the lead single from her fourth album. She wrote the song in response to the media's portrayal of her as a sex symbol, expressing her frustration that her musical talent was being overlooked.

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2001: Founded Elevate Hope Foundation

In 2001, Sheila E. and Lynn Mabry founded the Elevate Hope Foundation, which provides financial assistance to disadvantaged children and children of physical abuse for music programs.

2002: "An Evening with Angels" event

In 2002, Elevate Hope hosted its first "An Evening with Angels" event.

2006: Circle of Passion charity fashion show

In 2006, the Elevate Hope Foundation hosted the Circle of Passion charity fashion show at Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

February 2009: Honorary Member of Tau Beta Sigma

In February 2009, Sheila E. became an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority by the Eta Delta Chapter at Howard University, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts through music.

2011: Formed Elevate Oakland

In 2011, Sheila E., Lynn Mabry, Yoshie Akiba, and Jason Hofmann formed Elevate Oakland (formerly known as 51Oakland), a nonprofit organization that provides music and arts programs to public schools located in Oakland, California.

2012: Founded Stiletto Flats Music Inc.

In 2012, Sheila E. founded her own entertainment company, Stiletto Flats Music Inc., as a production unit for music. The company, headquartered in Los Angeles, serves as an umbrella for her various brands in music, videos, and concert films.

2013: Release of Icon Album

In 2013, Stiletto Flats Music distributed Sheila E.'s album Icon.

February 2014: Elevate Oakland Benefit Concert

In February 2014, Elevate Oakland held a benefit concert.

2017: Release of Iconic: Message 4 America Album

In 2017, Stiletto Flats Music distributed Sheila E.'s album Iconic: Message 4 America.

2020: Donation to Valkyrie Missile

In 2020, Sheila E. donated her drum and percussion instruments to the music band Valkyrie Missile after their instruments were stolen and the band began canceling scheduled performances.