The Drop: Sheila E.

Known to her fans as Sheila E., Sheila Escovedo has been in the music industry for most of her life. Daughter of the acclaimed percussionist, Pete Escovedo (drummer for Santana), Sheila has been playing drums for as long as she can remember. Before the age of 20, Sheila had already begun her illustrious career, performing or touring with legendary artists like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, and many more. In the mid-‘80s, Sheila’s musical career was becoming even bigger as she began performing in front of Prince, and later joining his band on tour. In conjunction with the music she was making, both alone and with Prince, her music career was quickly skyrocketing. Since she first picked up the drum sticks at age 3, Sheila’s music has evolved into a timeless sound that helped so many artists to succeed. Despite her incredible success in the music industry, Sheila has always been proud of where she came from and her Mexican heritage. In 2015, when she saw former candidate, now current President of the United States, Donald Trump declare his presidency, she began to fear a racial divide she had experienced growing up. Being a performer in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Sheila understood the power music has on social issues. Rather than standing by idly, Sheila decided to revive protest music that was so popular to her childhood. Receiving aid from Ringo Starr, George Clinton and several other artists, Sheila came out with iconic, a compilation of some of her favorite songs with the goal of promoting equality and social awareness. Join the GRAMMY Museum in welcoming GRAMMY-nominated artist Sheila E. to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate conversation on her new album as well as her social equality efforts. The evening will be hosted by Executive Director of the GRAMMY Museum, Scott Goldman.