2021 LATIN GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
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. There, she grew up with father, percussionist dad Pete, and uncles Coke Escovedo (Santana, Azteca) and Dragons frontman Mario Escovedo. Further, 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.
It’s no surprise that after such a music-immersive childhood, the gifted world-class drummer began amassing an impressive string of credits. She has performed with her dad and with pioneering talents. For example, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Prince, Ringo Starr, Gloria Estefan, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.
A fearless multi-instrumentalist, Sheila is also the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter behind the seminal hits “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.” This renaissance woman is equally proficient in percussion, guitar, and bass, as well as an actress, mentor and philanthropist.
Following a Bay Area gig in the late ‘70s, Sheila E. met Prince backstage. Their Purple Rain recording sessions morphed into launching her solo career that same year. These sessions also include her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City”. She also performed at 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. There, the honorees included artists Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana.
Recommended for Fans of Prince, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson and Lenny Kravitz.
