Sheila E.

Sheila Cecilia Escovedo (born December 12, 1957), known professionally by her stage name Sheila E., is an American percussionist, singer, author and actress from Oakland, California who became well-known in the 1980s and has continued recording to the present day.

She made her recording debut with jazz bassist Alphonso Johnson on his 1976 album Yesterday's Dreams. She is best known for her long association with Prince but has also collaborated with many other musicians. She had played with George Duke, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross by the time she was in her early twenties. In recent years, she has collaborated with George Clinton, Ringo Starr, and Gloria Estefan.