Viva Sheila! The Queen of Percussion Performs at Pride Fest Sunday

“I’m crazy!” Sheila E. exclaims when asked what San Diego Pride attendees can expect from her performance when she headlines the festival for the first time this Sunday at 6 p.m.

“We’re gonna have a blast. We’re gonna dance, we’re gonna sing, you never know who I might bring up on stage from the audience,” she says from her home office in Los Angeles, where she’s resting up after a series of gigs on the road.

The undisputed “Queen of Percussion,” best known for her breakout 1984 hit “The Glamorous Life,” is currently touring on her latest release, Bailar, her first salsa album.

“I always wanted to do one,” she explains. “I had been talking to my friend, Tony Succar, for at least five years about it, and we finally put it together. I recorded it in Miami and used most all the musicians from Miami.”

The 10-song album is a sonic tour de force featuring collaborations with iconic Latin and salsa artists such as Gloria Estefan, Ruben Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Luis Enrique. Standout tracks not only worthy of a listen but also capable of achieving a GRAMMY nod include a remake of Celia Cruz’s Bemba Colorá, which closes with a masterful drum solo, and the lively tribute to Tito Puente, El Rey Del Timbal. 

The four-time GRAMMY nominee, who says she doesn’t understand Spanish well, admits that making the album was a formidable experience. “I love salsa music. I grew up listening to it, and I’ve sat in with my godfather, Tito Puente. I’ve played with Celia Cruz and all of these artists. But to actually record and play salsa music for the first time in the studio for a project was challenging.”

Our conversation happens to fall on the first anniversary of Sheila E.’s historic induction as the first female solo percussionist on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Referring to the momentous experience as “huge” and “humbling,” the artist adds, “To be there at that time, it was just so emotional and put things in perspective. I never would have dreamed of this in a million years.” 

In addition to 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, a period when Sheila E. frequently collaborated with and opened for Prince on tour, she recently honored his legacy by performing at the annual Prince Celebration in Minneapolis on June 8. The drummer, now 66, warmly recalls their time together and the creative process behind duets like “Erotic City” (her recording debut with The Purple Wonder) and “A Love Bizarre,” from her second album, 1985’s Romance 1600.

“I have a lot of fond memories of us recording, being in the studio and just jamming, and then all of a sudden it becomes a song and comes out. Those were all special moments,” she reminisces.

Sheila E. (short for Escovedo) grew up in Oakland, the daughter of legendary jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo. She gave her first public performance when she was 5 years old and started playing professionally at 15.

After a stint as the percussionist in The George Duke Band, she joined Prince for more than two decades of collaboration. Throughout her storied career, she has recorded, performed, and toured with such renowned artists as Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, George Clinton, and Ringo Starr.

Growing up in the music industry and surrounded by great musicians had an enormous impact on shaping Sheila E.’s five-decade career. While it may be tougher for young musicians today, she recommends they take a page from the past to create a path to their future.

“The biggest thing for us back then that’s different now is we were able to go down the street and listen to bands practice, go see them in the small clubs in the Bay Area, and go to the park or someone’s garage and jam and play. It was a community of people getting together,” she reflects.

“It’s so hard for young people now because that doesn’t really exist, not unless you make it happen yourself. I encourage young musicians to go and play with others, sit in, or go watch music that you’ve never experienced before. Get that experience and surround yourself with people who encourage you.”

Donovan Roche, a San Diego-based writer and editor, has covered the music, entertainment and arts scene for more than 30 years. Send your story ideas to droche17@cox.net.