Sheila E.
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Percussionist / Singer / Songwriter / Music Producer
Sheila E. (b. Sheila Cecelia Escovedo, 1957- ) is an American percussionist, singer, songwriter and music producer commonly referred to as “The Queen of Percussion”. In 1983, she became Prince’s protégée and then pursued her career both as a solo artist and a drummer for the most prestigious singers in the world. She is also Lynn Mabry’s business partner: they co-founded in 1996 Heaven Productions Music and in 2001 the Elevate Hope Foundation which provides music and arts education for at risk youth.
She started working with Amuro Namie in 1995 contributing to her songs Chase the Chance, SWEET 19 BLUES, I’LL JUMP and PRIVATE. She was her drummer and background singer for 3 tours (1996, 1997, 2000) and co-wrote several songs on her album GENIUS 2000 with Lynn Mabry.
Her collaborations include Prince, Peter Michael, Tito Puente, Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, Beyoncé, Cindy Lauper, Babyface, George Duke, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross and many others.
In 1996, she was interviewed by the Japanese television about Amuro Namie and said: “Really I mean you have to be serious, you have to really enjoy what you’re doing the same like she really enjoys what she does, and it takes a lot of hard work. And she is doing that so I can’t see why she wouldn’t be able to cross over into the American market, and even the world, and Europe.”
Recordings
Chase the Chance (1995)
Background Vocals
I’LL JUMP (1996)
Percussions
PRIVATE (1996)
Background Vocals
SWEET 19 BLUES (1996)
Background Vocals
motion [instrumental] (1996)
Background Vocals
LOVE 2000 (2000)
Lyrics, Music, Arrangement, Percussions, Drums & Background Vocals
GIVE IT A TRY (2000)
Lyrics, Music, Arrangement & Background Vocals
MI CORAZÓN (TE’ AMOUR) (2000)
Lyrics, Music, Arrangement, Percussions & Background Vocals
Live Tours
SUMMER PRESENTS ’96 AMURO NAMIE with SUPER MONKEY’S
Percussions & Vocals
tour 1997 a walk in the park
Percussions & Vocals
TOUR GENIUS 2000
Percussions & Vocals