Sheila E., born Sheila Cecilia Escovedo on December 12, 1957, is an American singer, percussionist, and drummer who gained fame in the 1980s. Best known for her collaborations with Prince and her solo hits like The Glamorous Life and A Love Bizarre, she has earned the title “The Queen of Percussion.”
With a career spanning over four decades, Sheila E. has worked with legendary musicians like Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Herbie Hancock, and Gloria Estefan. In 2025, she won her first-ever Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance with Bemba Colorá, marking a milestone in her career.
In this article, we will explore Sheila E.’s net worth, age, height, weight, family, relationships, physical appearance, career achievements, lesser-known facts, and frequently asked questions.
Sheila E. Short Details
| Full Name | Sheila Cecilia Escovedo |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Sheila E. |
| Profession | Singer, Drummer, Percussionist |
| Hometown | Oakland, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1957 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 67 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Labels | Warner Bros., Paisley Park, Concord |
| Genres | Latin, Funk, R&B, Soul, Latin Pop |
| Father | Pete Escovedo (Percussionist) |
| Uncles | Coke Escovedo, Alejandro Escovedo |
| Niece | Nicole Richie |
| Website | sheilae.com |
Early Life and Career
Sheila E. was born into a musical family in Oakland, California. Her father, Pete Escovedo, was a famous percussionist, and her mother, Juanita Gardere, had Creole-French/African ancestry. Her godfather was the legendary Tito Puente, and her uncles, Coke Escovedo and Alejandro Escovedo, were also musicians.
Sheila E. started playing percussion at a young age and made her professional debut in 1976 with jazz bassist Alphonso Johnson. By her early 20s, she had already played with George Duke, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross.
Breakthrough with Prince (1984-1989)
Sheila E. met Prince in 1977, and he was instantly impressed by her talent. She later collaborated with him on the Purple Rain sessions, providing vocals for “Erotic City” (1984).
Her debut solo album, The Glamorous Life (1984), featured her biggest hit, “The Glamorous Life”, which reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success led to MTV and Grammy nominations.
Her second album, Romance 1600 (1985), included another major hit, “A Love Bizarre”, co-written by Prince. She continued touring with him and even became his musical director during the Lovesexy Tour (1987-1989).
Independent Career and Health Struggles (1990s-2000s)
Sheila E. left Prince’s camp in 1989 and released Sex Cymbal (1991). However, a collapsed lung and nerve damage forced her to take a break from drumming.
After recovery, she worked with Gloria Estefan, Ringo Starr, and Beyoncé, led house bands on TV shows, and even won CMT’s Gone Country (2009).
Recent Success and Grammy Win (2010s-Present)
Sheila E. reunited with Prince for his 2010 tours and performed at the BET Awards 2016 Prince Tribute. She continued touring worldwide and in 2025, won her first Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for Bemba Colorá with Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar.
Family and Relationships
Sheila E. comes from a musical dynasty.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Pete Escovedo | Father, Legendary Percussionist |
| Juanita Gardere | Mother |
| Coke Escovedo | Uncle, Member of Santana & Azteca |
| Alejandro Escovedo | Uncle, Rock Musician |
| Nicole Richie | Niece, TV Personality |
She has never married but has been romantically linked to Prince and Carlos Santana.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | Ears |
Sheila E. Net Worth and Income Sources
Sheila E. has an estimated net worth of $12 million as of 2025, earned from multiple revenue streams.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Career | Album sales, concerts, tours |
| Collaborations | Worked with Prince, Beyoncé, Gloria Estefan |
| Television | Music Director for TV shows and reality TV |
| Brand Deals | Endorsements, drum/percussion products |
| Book Sales | Autobiography The Beat of My Own Drum |
Lesser-Known Facts About Sheila E.
- She was the first female percussionist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2023).
- She performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Prince in 2007.
- She won CMT’s Gone Country (2009) and recorded a country song.
- She founded the Elevate Oakland nonprofit for music education.
- She was Prince’s only female musical director.
- She played drums on Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (1979).
- She has acted in movies like Krush Groove (1985) and Chasing Papi (2003).
- Sheila still performs barefoot for better drumming control.
FAQs About Sheila E.
Q: What is Sheila E.’s biggest hit?
A: The Glamorous Life (1984).
Q: Did Sheila E. date Prince?
A: Yes, they were briefly engaged in the late 1980s.
Q: What is Sheila E.’s net worth?
A: Estimated $12 million as of 2025.
Q: Has Sheila E. won a Grammy?
A: Yes, in 2025 for “Bemba Colorá.”
Conclusion
Sheila E. remains an iconic musician, blending Latin, funk, and R&B with her extraordinary drumming skills. From working with Prince to winning a Grammy in 2025, she continues to inspire generations with her talent.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information. Readers should verify details from reliable sources.
