Sheila E. – The Queen of Percussion

March is Women’s History Month and, currently, it’s more important than ever to make sure we recognize women and their contributions to the world. I couldn’t think of a musician more deserving to have recognition than Sheila E. She was one of the first women that I looked to and applauded the fact that she could be better than any male counterpart. The Queen of Percussion was the best drummer and left other male drummers in her dust.

The strong and ambitious Sheila Escovedo had no choice than to have a musical talent as she was born into a musical family. Her percussionist father Pete Escovedo; musical uncles Coke Escovedo, Alejandro Escovedo, Mario Escovedo, and Javier Escovedo; and godfather Tito Puente all influenced and inspired her musical journey and she spent a great deal of time performing with them; she still performs with her father. By her early 20s, she had already played with George Duke, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross. She met Prince in 1978 while performing with her father but didn’t join forces with him until the Purple Rain recording sessions, where she provided vocals to “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Erotic City.”

In June 1984, she released her debut album The Glamorous Life. The album's title-track single "The Glamorous Life" peaked at number 7 the Hot 100 and topped the dance charts for two weeks in August 1984. The video for the song would bring three MTV Award nominations for Best Female Video, Best New Artist, and Best Choreography. She also received two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance Female.

Sheila toured as the opening act for Prince’s Purple Rain tour in 1984. Her second studio album Romance 1600’s second single, and one of my favorite songs, "Love Bizarre" became her signature song and peaked at number 11 on the Hot 100 and topped the dance charts. Sheila later served as Prince's drummer and musical director in his band during the tours from 1987 to 1989.

Even the legendary Ringo Starr observed Sheila’s excellence on the drums. She performed three stints as one of the member “All-Starrs" of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, in 2001, 2003, and 2006. Her drum "duets" with Starr are a moment of comic relief in the show, where they play the same parts, but he quickly falls behind, shrugs and smiles as she takes off on an extended percussion solo.

Her romance and pure friendship with Prince led to her adamant refusal of any replication of the late musician in any physical form, such as holograms, and during the 2016 BET Awards, Sheila and the New Power Generation led a tribute to Prince featuring a medley of his hits – the best tribute to him to date.

Sheila is not only an amazing musician, she is also committed to helping others through music. Through her initiative, Elevate Hope Foundation, Sheila provides abused and abandoned children an alternative method of therapy through music and the arts, as well as funding special services and programs that assist the needs of these children using these fundamental methods. She understands the power of providing music and the arts as life-changing tools desperately needed to help children accomplish their goals, enrich their lives and strive for greatness. “We’re going to go around the country and elevate any city that will allow us to come there and, really, just mentor the kids, helping them with music and arts, helping them fulfill their dreams and really express themselves,” she explains.

Sheila E. pours her heart and soul into every song. Sheila is passionate about two things above most: music and helping others in need. Throughout her career, she’s been fortunate enough to get to share her story and use the power of music to help those who need it most. Sheila is an inspirationalist, using her talents and resources to help those who need the healing power of music. And if that is not the mark of a woman who deserves recognition, I don’t know what would be.