History of Sheila E. in Timeline

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

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

1975: Relationship with Carlos Santana ends

In 1975, Sheila E.'s relationship with musician Carlos Santana ended after she discovered he was married to Deborah King.

1984: Romantic relationship with Prince

In 1984, Sheila E. was romantically involved with Prince while he was still in a relationship with Susannah Melvoin.

1989: Engagement to Prince and End of Engagement

In late 1989, Sheila E. became engaged to Prince during his Lovesexy Tour. However, she ended the engagement later in 1989.

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.

Loading Video...

1991: Hospitalization and Semi-Paralysis

In late 1991, Sheila E. was hospitalized after returning from her tour in Japan. A failed acupuncture treatment punctured her left lung, causing it to collapse. Following this, she experienced semi-paralysis due to calf muscle degradation from playing drums in high heels. She underwent a two-week treatment to rebuild her calf muscle and regain the ability to walk.

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.