“Growing up in Oakland, amidst its vibrant murals and the echoes of history in its streets, taught me the power of resilience and the beauty of diversity. It’s where my music found its roots, in the stories whispered by the city’s winds. Inspired by Oakland’s rich musical history, from the iconic sounds of Santana and the Grateful Dead to the influential artistry of Tower of Power, Sly and The Family Stone, and Pete Escovedo, I am proud to carry the spirit of this vibrant musical legacy in my work. As I release my album Bailar, it carries with it the spirit of Oakland – a testament to where I’ve come from and the dreams we all hold for the future.” Sheila E.
The album Bailar, set to release on April 5, 2024, is a stunning masterpiece co-produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Tony Succar. Featuring exceptional collaborations with icons such as Ruben Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Enrique, Debi Nova and many more. Each collaboration adds to the exquisite tapestry of sounds and styles that Sheila E. has masterfully crafted in this album.
Sheila E.’s trailblazing legacy as a musician and performer was officially recognized on July 13, 2023, when she became the first female solo percussionist to receive a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This prestigious accolade further solidifies her status as an enduring icon in the music industry and emphasizes her invaluable contributions to the world of entertainment.
Fans and music aficionados eagerly anticipate the release of Bailar, certain that Sheila E.’s unparalleled musical genius will revolutionize the salsa genre. This album, bursting with contagious energy and heartfelt performances, will undoubtedly carve a new path for Sheila E., showcasing her mastery of multiple genres and cementing her place among the greatest musicians of our time.
More about Sheila E:
One of life’s constants for Sheila E. comes down to a simple phrase: follow the beat. And her impeccable inner rhythm is the pulse behind a trailblazing career that still knows no bounds.
Family, faith and music were guiding forces for Sheila E. growing up in the Bay Area. In addition to percussionist dad Pete, the Oakland,CA native counts former Santana member/Azteca founder Coke Escovedo and The Dragons front man Mario Escovedo as uncles. Fellow Latin star Tito Puente was her godfather. In addition to being weaned on Latin jazz and Motown, Sheila E. was exposed to a diverse array of Bay Area acts. Those influences ranged from the rock of Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead to the R&B/pop of the Pointer Sisters and the funk of Sly & the Family Stone. “I used to sit on the corner outside of the local community center with Twinkies and 7-Up listening to Sly and Larry Graham rehearse,” remembers Sheila E. “The sounds of the Bay Area molded me.”
So it’s no surprise that after such a music-immersive childhood, the gifted, world-class drummer and percussionist began amassing an impressive string of credits playing not only with her dad but also with pioneering talents like George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Prince, Ringo Starr, Gloria Estefan, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter behind the seminal hits “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.” A fearless multi-instrumentalist, equally proficient on guitar and bass, actress, mentor and philanthropist.
Following a Bay Area gig in the late ‘70s, Sheila E. met Prince backstage. Their Purple Rain recording sessions—including her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City”—morphed into launching her solo career that same year. Debut album The Glamorous Life spun off the Grammy Award-nominated top 10 hit of the same name plus a second top 40 single “The Belle of St. Mark.” Between her ‘80s tenure as drummer, songwriter and musical director for Prince’s backup band, Sheila E. released two more solo albums (Romance 1600 and Shelia E.) and scored another classic hit with “A Love Bizarre.”
Sheila E.’s fierce, dynamic verve onstage has made her a major concert draw since the ‘90s. Along the way, she has acted in the films “Krush Groove”, “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane”, “Chasing Papi” and launched various music projects (E-Train, C.O.E.D., E Family Band). She added to her arsenal of credits performing on the 2012 Academy Awards with pop hitmaker Pharrell Williams and composer Hans Zimmer. Sheila E. was also among the roster of stars chosen to perform at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors whose honorees included artists Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana.
With no Google or YouTube artist script to follow back then, she says her career drive was propelled by one thing: “I just did it because I loved it. I started all this as Sheila Escovedo then became this persona named Sheila E. Now Sheila E. and Sheila Escovedo are the same person, still making music that comes from the heart.”
Away from the spotlight, music doubles as a source of healing and giving back for Sheila E. In tandem with the city of Oakland, she and her Elevate Hope organization staged the first annual “Elevate Oakland” benefit concert on Feb. 1, 2014. A host of Bay Area artists and other acclaimed musicians performed at the city-donated Fox Theatre. The goal: to raise funds to improve student academic achievement and attendance through music and arts programming. But this wasn’t Sheila E.’s first time giving back. Between gigs, she has also criss-crossed the country, speaking at schools and colleges, shelters, church organizations, music classes and clinics about music’s effect on her life and career. “Sharing music in any way I can is my ministry,” she says.
For more information on Sheila E. please visit her official website at www.sheilae.com.
