Sheila Cecelia Escovedo (born December 12, 1957) better known under the stage name Sheila E., is an American percussionist, singer, author, and actress. She began her career in the mid 1970s as a percussionist and singer for The George Duke Band. After leaving the group in 1983, Sheila began a successful solo career, starting with her critically acclaimed debut album, which included the career-defining song, "The Glamorous Life". She became a mainstream solo star in 1985 following the success of the singles, "The Belle of St. Mark", "Sister Fate", and "A Love Bizarre" with the last becoming one of her signature songs. She is commonly referred to as The Queen of Percussion.\n', '

Born in Oakland, California, Sheila E. is the daughter of Juanita Gardere, a dairy factory worker, and percussionist Pete Escovedo, with whom she frequently performs. Her mother is Creole-French/African mix, and her father is of Mexican origin. Sheila E\'s uncle is Alejandro Escovedo, and Tito Puente was Escovedo\'s godfather. She also is niece to Javier Escovedo, founder of seminal San Diego punk act The Zeros. Another uncle, Mario Escovedo, fronted long-running indie rockers The Dragons. She also is the niece of Coke Escovedo, who was in Santana and formed the band Azteca. Nicole Richie is Sheila E.\'s biological niece, the daughter of Sheila\'s musician brother, Peter Michael Escovedo.\n', '

Sheila made her recording debut with jazz bassist Alphonso Johnson on "Yesterday\'s Dream" in 1976. By her early 20s, she had already played with George Duke, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross. In 1977, she joined The George Duke Band. She appeared on several of Duke\'s albums including: "Don\'t Let Go" (1978)", "Follow the Rainbow" (1979), "Master of the Game" (1979), "A Brazilian Love Affair" (1980). In 1983, she joined Marvin Gaye\'s final tour Midnight Love Tour as one of his percussionists.\n', '

Return to Sheila E. Autograph Profile