History of Sheila E. in Timeline
Sheila E. is an American singer and drummer known for her work as a percussionist and her solo career. Starting in the mid-1970s with the George Duke Band, she later collaborated with Prince and debuted her solo album in 1984. Her hit songs include "The Glamorous Life" and "A Love Bizarre", earning her the nickname "Queen of Percussion".
December 12, 1957: Birth of Sheila E.
Sheila Cecilia Escovedo was born on December 12, 1957.
1976: Recording Debut
Sheila E. made her recording debut in 1976, playing with jazz bassist Alphonso Johnson on the album "Yesterday's Dream."
1977: Collaboration with George Duke and Release of "Solo Two"
In 1977, Sheila E. joined The George Duke Band and released the album "Solo Two" with her father.
1977: First Meeting with Prince
Sheila E. first met Prince in 1977 at a concert where she was performing with her father. Prince expressed his admiration and predicted she would one day join his band.
1978: Release of "Don't Let Go" and "Happy Together"
In 1978, Sheila E. appeared on George Duke's album "Don't Let Go" and released "Happy Together" with her father, Pete Escovedo.
1979: Collaborations with George Duke
Sheila E. continued her work with George Duke, appearing on his albums "Follow the Rainbow" and "Master of the Game" in 1979.
1980: Appearance on Herbie Hancock's "Monster"
In 1980, Sheila E. appeared on Herbie Hancock's influential album "Monster."
1983: Sheila E. Joins Marvin Gaye's Final Tour
In 1983, Sheila E. joined Marvin Gaye's final tour, the Midnight Love Tour, as a percussionist.
June 1984: Release of "The Glamorous Life"
In June 1984, Sheila E. released her debut album, "The Glamorous Life," which included her hit song of the same name.
August 1984: "The Glamorous Life" Tops Dance Charts
Sheila E.'s "The Glamorous Life" topped the dance charts for two weeks in August 1984.
1984: Launch of Solo Career and Collaboration with Prince
Sheila E. launched her solo career in 1984, releasing her debut album. This period also marked the beginning of her collaboration with Prince.
1985: Participation in USA for Africa's "We Are the World"
In 1985, Sheila E. joined the supergroup USA for Africa and recorded the iconic charity single "We Are the World."
1985: Release of "A Love Bizarre"
In 1985, Sheila E. released her hit single "A Love Bizarre."
1985: Film Debut in "Krush Groove"
Sheila E. made her film debut in 1985, appearing in the musical drama "Krush Groove."
1985: Release of "Romance 1600" and "A Love Bizarre"
Sheila E. released her second album, "Romance 1600," in 1985. The album featured the single "A Love Bizarre," which reached number 11 on the US Hot 100.
July 1987: Release of Self-Titled Album
Sheila E. released her third album, "Sheila E.," in July 1987.
1987: Appearance in Prince's "Sign 'O' the Times"
In 1987, Sheila E. appeared in Prince's concert film, "Sign 'O' the Times."
1989: Departure from Prince's Organization
Sheila E. left Prince's organization in 1989.
1989: Musical Director for Prince's Tours
From 1987 to 1989, Sheila E. served as Prince's percussionist and musical director during his tours.
1990: Role in "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane"
Sheila E. continued her acting career with a role in the 1990 action comedy "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane."
1991: Release of "Sex Cymbal" and Health Challenges
In 1991, Sheila E. released the album "Sex Cymbal" but experienced health issues, including a collapsed lung, leading to a break from music.
1994: Collaboration with Gloria Estefan
Sheila E. contributed percussion to Gloria Estefan's album "Mi Tierra" in 1994.
1996: Performance with Namie Amuro
Sheila E. joined Japanese pop star Namie Amuro's live band in 1996 for a concert at Chiba Marine Stadium.
1998: Percussion on Phil Collins Cover and "The Magic Hour"
Sheila E. played percussion on Phil Collins' cover of "True Colors" in 1998 and led the house band on Earvin "Magic" Johnson's talk show, "The Magic Hour."
2001: First Stint with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
Sheila E. joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band for the first time in 2001, marking the beginning of her recurring role in the band.
2002: Collaboration with Beyoncé
Sheila E. appeared on Beyoncé's song "Work It Out" in 2002.
2003: Appearance in "Chasing Papi"
In 2003, Sheila E. appeared in the romantic comedy "Chasing Papi."
2003: Second Stint with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
Sheila E. rejoined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band for a second time in 2003.
2003: Performance at Prince's "One Nite Alone... Live!"
Sheila E. reunited with Prince for his "One Nite Alone... Live!" concert in Las Vegas in 2003.
2004: Touring with Abe Laboriel Band and Collaboration with Cyndi Lauper
In 2004, Sheila E. toured New Zealand with the Abe Laboriel Band and played drums on Cyndi Lauper's album "At Last."
2005: Performance at NAACP Image Awards and Collaboration with Amerie
Sheila E. performed at the 36th NAACP Image Awards in 2005 and orchestrated the band for Amerie's performances of "1 Thing."
February 2006: Performance at BRIT Awards and Sonoma Jazz Festival
In February 2006, Sheila E. performed with Prince at the BRIT Awards and joined Herbie Hancock's band for the Sonoma Jazz Festival.
June 2006: Appearance on "Good Morning"
Sheila E. appeared on the "Good Morning" show in June 2006.
2006: Formation of C.O.E.D.
Sheila E. formed the female group C.O.E.D. (Chronicles of Every Diva) in 2006.
2006: Third Stint with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
Sheila E.'s third stint with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band took place in 2006.
March 2007: European and Japanese Tour with C.O.E.D.
In March 2007, Sheila E.'s group, C.O.E.D., embarked on a successful tour of Europe and Japan.
June 2007: Performance at the American Latin Music Awards
Sheila E. performed with Prince at the American Latin Music Awards in June 2007.
July 7, 2007: Performance with Prince in Minneapolis
On July 7, 2007, Sheila E. performed alongside Prince at three events in Minneapolis: Prince's 3121 perfume launch at Macy's, a concert at the Target Center, and an aftershow at First Avenue.
October 2007: Judge on The Next Great American Band
In October 2007, Sheila E. served as a judge on the Fox network's talent show, The Next Great American Band.
March 2008: Performance with Prince at Harvelle's Redondo Beach
Sheila E. reunited with Prince in March 2008, playing keyboard alongside her family at Harvelle's Redondo Beach.
April 9, 2008: Performance on Idol Gives Back
Sheila E. participated in the "Get on Your Feet" opening act with Gloria Estefan on the charity television special Idol Gives Back on April 9, 2008.
April 26, 2008: Performance at Coachella Music Festival
Sheila E., Morris Day, and Jerome Benton joined Prince for a performance at the Coachella Music Festival on April 26, 2008.
June 14, 2008: Performance at Rhythm on the Vine
On June 14, 2008, Sheila E., her father Pete Escovedo, Juan Escovedo, and Peter Michael Escovedo (The E Family) performed at the Rhythm on the Vine music and wine festival to benefit Shriners Hospital for Children.
2008: Overseas Tour and CD Release with C.O.E.D.
C.O.E.D. continued to tour overseas in 2008 and released a CD with limited distribution.
February 2009: Honorary Member of Tau Beta Sigma
In February 2009, Sheila E. was recognized for her humanitarian work in music with an honorary membership in the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
March 7, 2009: Release of "Glorious Train" Music Video
On March 7, 2009, following her win on the CMT reality show Gone Country, Sheila E. debuted her first country music video "Glorious Train".
May 30, 2009: Performance at Rhythm on the Vine
Sheila E. and the E Family Band performed at the Hot Latin Beats concert during Rhythm on the Vine at Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez, California on May 30, 2009.
December 13, 2009: Performance at Christmas Jazz
Sheila E. performed at the Deryck Walcott produced Christmas Jazz event in Barbados on December 13, 2009.
August 15, 2010: Performances at Yoshi's in Oakland
Sheila E. performed two shows at Yoshi's in Oakland, California on August 15, 2010, where she also sold her EP From E 2 U, featuring a song written by Prince.
May 25, 2011: Performance on American Idol Finale
Sheila E. performed with Marc Anthony on the 10th-season finale of American Idol on May 25, 2011.
June 7, 2011: Performance on Late Show with David Letterman
As part of "Drum Solo Week," Sheila E. performed on the Late Show with David Letterman on June 7, 2011.
September 2011: Release of "Now & Forever" Album
The E. Family, composed of Pete Escovedo, Peter Michael Escovedo III, Juan Escovedo, and Sheila E., released their album "Now & Forever" in September 2011.
February 26, 2012: Performance at the Academy Awards
Sheila E., Pharrell Williams, and Hans Zimmer performed during commercial breaks at the 2012 Academy Awards on February 26, 2012.
April 17, 2012: Appearance on Dancing with the Stars
Sheila E. was featured in the "Macy's Stars of Dance" segment on the Dancing with the Stars results show on April 17, 2012.
November 2013: Release of "Icon" Album in the UK
Sheila E. released her seventh album, "Icon," in the UK in November 2013, marking the first release on her own label, Stilettoflats Music.
September 2014: Release of Autobiography "Beat of My Own Drum"
Sheila E.'s autobiography, "Beat of My Own Drum," was released in September 2014.
November 2014: International Release of "Icon" Album
In November 2014, Sheila E.'s album "Icon" saw its international release.
June 26, 2016: Prince Tribute at the BET Awards
Sheila E. and The New Power Generation paid tribute to Prince with a medley of his hits at the 2016 BET Awards on June 26, 2016.
2017: Featured Percussionist on "The Boss Baby" Soundtrack
Sheila E. contributed percussion work to the soundtrack of the animated film "The Boss Baby" in 2017.
2018: Appearance in "Stand Up for Drummers"
Sheila E. made an appearance in Fred Armisen's Netflix comedy special "Stand Up for Drummers," released in 2018.
January 28, 2020: Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince
Sheila E. served as both performer and music director for the "Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince" concert at the Staples Center on January 28, 2020.
April 17, 2020: Release of "Lemon Cake" Single
Sheila E. released her single "Lemon Cake" as an audio track on YouTube on April 17, 2020.
April 21, 2020: Broadcast of "Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince"
The "Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince" concert, featuring Sheila E., was broadcast on CBS on April 21, 2020.
May 14, 2020: Premiere of "Lemon Cake" Music Video
The official music video for Sheila E.'s "Lemon Cake" premiered on Rated R&B on May 14, 2020.
July 2020: Launch of MasterClass "Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion"
In July 2020, Sheila E. partnered with MasterClass to launch her online course, "Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion."
2021: Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Sheila E. and her father, Pete Escovedo, were honored with the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
July 2023: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Sheila E. became the first solo female percussionist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in July 2023.
2023: Bandleader for "Lotería Loca"
Sheila E. took on the role of bandleader for the CBS game show "Lotería Loca" in 2023.
2023: Collaboration on Kelly Clarkson's "Chemistry" Album
Sheila E. was featured on Kelly Clarkson's 2023 album "Chemistry," contributing to the song "That's Right."