Sheila E. Quotes

Powerful Sheila E. for Daily Growth

About Sheila E.

Sheila Escovedo, widely known as Sheila E., is an American multi-instrumentalist, drummer, singer-songwriter, and actress who has made significant contributions to the realms of pop, R&B, funk, and Latin music. Born on December 12, 1957, in Oakland, California, Sheila is the daughter of jazz musician Coke Escovedo and pianist Juanita Moreno. Growing up in a family immersed in music, she developed a strong musical background at an early age. Sheila began her professional career as a drummer in the late 1970s, playing for artists such as Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder. Her breakthrough came in the early 1980s with her collaboration with Prince, where she was featured on several of his albums, including "Purple Rain." In 1984, Sheila released her debut album, "The Glamorous Life," which showcased her versatility as a performer and included the hit singles "The Belle of St. Mark" and "The Glamorous Life." The album was a critical and commercial success, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Throughout her career, Sheila has continued to blend various genres, releasing several albums that showcase her unique style. Some of her notable works include "Romance of the Gemstones" (1987), "Shero" (1989), and "Electric World" (2000). Sheila has also acted in films such as Krush Groove (1985) and Griffin & Phoenix (2006). Quotes by Sheila E. reflect her strong character and passion for music: "I think of drumming as a beautiful language, it's poetry, it's music," and "You have to stand up for what you believe in." Her life and work continue to inspire generations of musicians around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The music that I play is my heart and soul."

This quote by Sheila E. emphasizes that her music is a profound expression of her inner emotions, feelings, and experiences. It signifies that her musical creations are an embodiment of her heart and soul, reflecting her personality, character, and spirit. Essentially, she pours her authentic self into her music, making each note and rhythm a personal testament to who she is.


"I don't mind being a female drummer - it's just me."

This quote suggests that Sheila E. sees her identity as a drummer not defined by her gender, but as an expression of herself. It signifies that she approaches her craft without limiting factors, valuing her individuality over any imposed labels or stereotypes associated with being female in a traditionally male-dominated field.


"Dreams are very important. They help you to see where your passion lies."

This quote by Sheila E. emphasizes that dreams serve as a crucial tool for self-discovery, helping individuals identify their passions in life. By visualizing what one desires most, one can discern their deepest interests and aspirations, which often align with areas where they find fulfillment and happiness. Thus, pursuing dreams not only ignites personal growth but also helps shape a meaningful and purposeful life.


"I feel like every artist has a responsibility to give back."

This quote by Sheila E. suggests that artists, through their creative abilities, have an ethical obligation to contribute positively to society beyond just creating art. The 'give back' could refer to various actions such as donating time or resources, raising awareness for causes, or using their platform to effect change in a way that benefits the community or those less fortunate. This perspective underscores the idea that artistic success carries with it an expectation of philanthropy and responsibility towards others.


"Life is a musical composition, and the notes we play depend on the choices we make."

This quote by Sheila E. suggests that life is like a musical composition, with our experiences and emotions serving as the notes. The 'notes' we play in this 'composition' are determined by the choices we make, which shape our journey through life. Just as different notes create unique melodies, our choices and actions contribute to our personal story. In other words, it emphasizes that our lives are a reflection of the decisions we make, and these decisions ultimately define our experiences and the music of our life.


Back in the days, the groups and the bands that we listened to were like Earth, Wind and Fire, Santana and Grateful Dead. We don't have a lot of those bands anymore.

- Sheila E.

Grateful, Back, Like, Grateful Dead

That's how we grew up - kinda like Pops would put his drums, his percussion and instruments into the car and we would just go to a facility in the Bay Area and he would say to us, 'You think we have it bad? There are people worse off than we are. Let's go give back to the kids.' And that's how we grew up.

- Sheila E.

Bay Area, Bad, Back, Bay

What drives me is really just being able to be a blessing to someone, you know. I really enjoy that, and as much as I can do, I will.

- Sheila E.

Enjoy, Will, Being, Blessing

My genre of music is very eclectic. I might play some Latin jazz, or just go into a spontaneous jazz thing. That's the thing about coming to one of my performances. Not every show is the same.

- Sheila E.

Play, Some, Very, Spontaneous

I want to be entertained, so if I want to be entertained, I know if I'm going to play, I want to make sure that you're entertained and that I'm having a great time. I really do love what I do.

- Sheila E.

Love, Play, Sure, Entertained

It was very cool to be honored and be acknowledged in that way for the first time ever, being nominated for an Emmy.

- Sheila E.

Very, Ever, Acknowledged, Emmy

The Emmy that I lost, and I can't remember his name, I lost to the man who did the Olympics. So, it was great to lose to him. It's the Olympics.

- Sheila E.

Great, Lose, Olympics, Emmy

I was running track early in my years and I was breaking track records in sprint running. I was training and I wanted to be in the Olympics. I thought I was going to be able to win a gold medal, and my mind was pretty much set on 'this is what I want to do'.

- Sheila E.

Thought, Records, Sprint, Gold Medal

For us as entertainers traveling, the schedule gets really crazy - flying all the time, being on a bus tour, changing hotels every day. And it's challenging.

- Sheila E.

Every Day, Bus, Entertainers, Hotels

The break down for kids is communication. Music helps bring that bond.

- Sheila E.

Music, Bring, Break, Helps

I like being in the back. I've done that for so many years, I'm really comfortable doing it. I don't like the solo thing as much as I like playing drums behind someone.

- Sheila E.

Doing, Behind, Like, Solo

The youth are very important to me, they're the next generation, but I want to instill in kids, even in playing, that it's never too late and there's no right or wrong way to do anything.

- Sheila E.

Too Late, Next, Very, Instill

To me, the stage is like my living room, or my home, and when you come over to my house, I have to be a hostess and invite you in so that we can have a great time.

- Sheila E.

Living, Over, Hostess, Invite

Don't forget, I was a musician long before I ever met Prince. That's a big difference between me and those other women he's worked with. We operate on the same plane, as equals.

- Sheila E.

Big, Other, Plane, Prince

The point in me playing with Prince was to let a lot of people know that I can play trap. I don't think people know that.

- Sheila E.

People, Play, Think, Prince

If you are on television, that one night that someone is able to see you, you're talking about millions of people in one day. That's pretty awesome because then it helps you to jumpstart your career, and if you're the one to go out there and perform, people are going to come see you because those millions saw you on the television.

- Sheila E.

Career, One Day, About, One Night

Having that music around us all the time, it was so inspiring. But at the same time, I was a kid. I didn't pay attention to any of it. I'd get on the drums and hit them a few times, and then go outside and play.

- Sheila E.

Play, Kid, Inspiring, Drums

Engaging with the audience lets them know I'm approachable. I don't like that whole, 'You can't talk to Sheila E thing' - I don't like that.

- Sheila E.

Audience, Like, Them, Lets

I love talking to the youth and helping them as much as I can or encouraging them, if I can help them at all.

- Sheila E.

Love, Helping, Them, Encouraging

I went to a great church here in L.A., gave my heart to the Lord and felt freedom from things I've carried throughout my life that I just thought, 'I don't have to carry them any more.'

- Sheila E.

My Life, Thought, Here, Carried

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