Sheila E. is indeed living the glamorous life.
Renown singer, drummer and percussionist, Sheila E., is the latest to be honored with a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Taking place on Wednesday July 12th, Sheila will be awarded her star in the category of Recording. Her star will be the 2,759th added to the popular strip.
“Sheila E. is a powerhouse in the music industry. She has had quite an iconic career and has performed with the best!” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “We are thrilled to have her join the iconic Walk of Fame as the first female solo percussionist on the Walk of Fame. I cannot think of a better place but to place her star in front of the Musician’s Institute.”
The Queen of Percussion will be joined by Jimmy Jam Harris and speakers H.E.R. and Ringo Starr for the stars unveiling.
The Queen of Percussion
Sheila’s trailblazing career goes back nearly 50 years ago. She started as a percussionist in the mid-70s for the band, George Duke Band. In the 80s, she worked with other household names including Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, and mentor Prince. In 1985, with a band in tow, Sheila launched her solo career and debuted studio album, ‘The Glamorous Life’ followed with the massive title hit.
After meeting Prince at a concert in the late ’70s, Sheila eventually contributed vocals to his Purple Rain recording sessions. It was during this time that the two would developed a fleeting romantic relationship. For the latter half of the 80s, she joined Prince’s backing band. During a 1987 concert in Europe, Prince proposed but the relationship fractured by 1989. After breaking up, Sheila parted ways with Prince and the band but remained close friends.
During her ‘80s tenure as a drummer and musical director for Prince’s backup band, Sheila E. released two more solo albums Romance 1600 and Shelia E. She landed another hit with “A Love Bizarre,” from her sophomore album. “Hold Me,” a ballad from her self-titled third album received critical acclaim.
Sheila E.’s credits as a percussionist extend to a long list of superstars including Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Prince Ringo Starr, Gloria Estefan, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.