Sheila E. was born on December 12, 1957 in Oakland, California. Her father, Pete Escovedo was a Latin jazz percussionist. Sheila E. started her musical career in 1978 playing percussion for jazz bassist, Alphonso Johnson on the album Yesterday’s Dream.
Before meeting Prince, she played for Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, George Duke and Lionel Richie. She was a part of Marvin Gaye’s final 1981 tour, the Midnight Love Tour.
She first met Prince in 1978 during her father’s concert [name]. After she performed, Prince approached her and said one day, they would work together. Eventually that promise became a reality when Purple Rain was made in 1984.
Prince and Sheila E.continued to work together until 1989, but even during that time, she had a successful solo career with top 10 singles such as “The Glamorous Life,” “The Belle of St. Mark,” and “A Love Bizarre.”
Prince and Sheila E. eventually teamed up once again in 2008. She also worked on a lot of other projects in that year, including one of Gospel’s biggest stars, Tonex’s Out the Box album, Beyonce’s single “Work It Out”—performing alongside with Pharrell—and releasing her own solo albums. She recently played drums for in the orchestral soundtracks for Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v. Superman (2016).
Prince definitely shared—and arguably eclipsed—the spotlight with his supporting musicians which is one reason why he was one of most legendary artists this world will ever experience. His legacy lives on forever especially with Sheila E. and Morris Day & the Times continuing to hit the stage in his honor. Rest in Purple, Prince!