Sheila Escovedo, better known as Sheila E., is set to headline this year’s Fourth of July celebration at Albany’s Empire State Plaza. The iconic percussionist and R&B star has high expectations for the evening, both for herself and the audience.
“Incredible,” she exclaimed. “I want it to be an electrifying experience, where people can truly engage. Attending a Sheila E. show means being fully immersed.”
New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration
Featuring Sheila E.
When: Tuesday, July 4, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Empire State Plaza
Tickets: Free
For more info: https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/new-york-states-fourth-july-celebration
“My shows are all about spreading love and bringing people together,” Escovedo continued passionately. “I tell my audience that I love them, and that simple word holds significant value for those who haven’t heard it in a while. If my performance can be a blessing to even just one person, it means everything to me.”
Escovedo rose to fame in the mid-1980s with her chart-topping single “The Glamorous Life” and her close association with Prince. However, her career, which will soon be commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, goes far beyond that era of commercial success. It reflects her five decades of dedicated work as a musician.
She started her journey in the early 1970s as a teenager playing in her father Pete Escovedo’s Latin jazz ensemble. By the time she recorded “The Glamorous Life” in 1984, she had already toured as a percussionist with George Duke, Lionel Richie, and Marvin Gaye, and had contributed to recordings by Duke and Herbie Hancock.
Even after achieving success as a solo artist, Escovedo has remained a sought-after collaborator. Her percussion talents can be heard on songs by Beyonce, Gloria Estefan, Phil Collins, Cyndi Lauper, Gary Clark Jr., and Kelly Clarkson. She has also been part of two editions of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band.
Escovedo’s wide range of experiences as both a solo artist and a supporting musician greatly influence her live performances and choice of cover songs. Furthermore, they allow her to inspire and provide guidance to the next generation of musicians.
“After being in the industry for 50 years, I’ve reached a point where I can mentor and share my knowledge with young artists who are honing their craft,” Escovedo said. “I love being a mentor because young musicians often don’t realize the challenges I’ve faced.
“At home, I was never told I couldn’t play the drums. It was only when I started touring with other acts that I encountered people saying that a woman of color couldn’t be a drummer or that drums were considered a ‘male instrument.’ When I meet a younger musician, I make sure they know they can count on me. I’ll send them messages saying, ‘You’re an incredible young drummer!’ Seeing young people continue pursuing music because of my influence is both amazing and humbling.”
While Escovedo embraces her role as a mentor, she is also proud to maintain an active career as a touring and recording artist. Earlier this year, she released the album “Hella Fonk E” with her group Sheila E. and the E. Train, featuring a collection of old school funk-and-R&B jams. In August, she plans on releasing her first-ever salsa record, and recently she recorded percussion tracks for her father’s upcoming project.
It’s a lot of hard work to sustain such a high level of activity and creativity, but Escovedo feels fortunate to still possess artistic vibrancy.
“It definitely gets more challenging as time goes on,” she admitted, “but when I see my 88-year-old dad still making music, I’m inspired. Traveling can take a toll on my body, especially after undergoing PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy) on my knee. However, I prioritize my well-being because it directly impacts my ability to live a better life. The pain I endure has a purpose.”
“I didn’t realize it had been 50 years until this year because music has always been one of the greatest joys of my life. It allows me to stay present and fully embrace the moment,” Escovedo concluded. “This is my passion, and I never take for granted the opportunity to pursue it every day.”
