LOS ANGELES — Legendary percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Sheila E. was honored Wednesday with her very own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
“Her career can be summed up by using her own words: ‘Follow the beat,’” said master of ceremonies Jimmy Jam Harris.
Sheila E., born Sheila Escovedo, met Prince backstage after a gig in the San Francisco Bay Area, which led to the launch of her solo career. Their “Purple Rain” recording sessions together included her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City.”
Her list of credits include playing not only with her dad, Pete Escovedo, but also with pioneering talents like Prince, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg and Jennifer Lopez. The Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter is also the only female musician to tour with Ringo Star, who called her a “force of nature” at the star ceremony.
“I am proud to call Sheila E. a friend,” said the Beatle drummer, who shared a story about Sheila falling in a hole and injuring herself while they were on tour together.
“I thought she was down for the count,” he said. “But she played the gig that night — and in heels no less. She got on that kit and played like a mad woman.”
Grammy and Oscar winner H.E.R. then took the stage to tell the story of seeing Sheila E. perform with Prince when she was just 13.
“That changed my life forever because in that moment I knew that I could do this,” she said. “I thank you so much for representing …women who are musicians and for paving the way for artists like me.”
The day’s event marked the first time in history that a female percussionist was honored on the boulevard.
“I used to sit on the corner outside of the local community center with Twinkies and 7 Up listening to Sly and Larry Graham rehearse,” remembers Sheila E. “The sounds of the Bay Area molded me. I’m telling ya, there’s something in the water.”
In addition to being weaned on Latin jazz and Motown, Sheila E. was exposed to a diverse array of Bay Area acts. Those influences ranged from the rock of Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead to the R&B/pop of the Pointer Sisters and the funk of Sly & the Family Stone.
After her star’s official unveiling, Sheila E. treated the Hollywood Boulevard crowd to a session on the bongos.
