Song:The Glamorous Life
Album:The Glamorous Life
Most fans are probably aware that Prince produced this 1984 top ten hit. He had a thing for sexy girl groups. But the difference between Vanity, Appalonia and Sheila Escovedo is that though Sheila isn't much of a singer, she is a real musical talent behind a drum set. He knew her for several years before he signed her. She was already a veteran session musician. She was born Dec. 12, 1957 in Oakland, CA the daughter of percussionist Pete Escovedo. He had a group in the early 70s called Azteca. In fact, the whole Escovedo family are percussionists. As a teen, she played drums side by side with her dad in local clubs. The story goes that in 1975, jazz drummer Billy Cobham was in town and saw the father daughter duo perform. Cobham was fascinated by this 17 year old girl playing drums like a man. So he jammed with her and got Pete & Sheila Escovedo a contract with Fantasy Records. Cobham produced two albums and they are worth getting. Then she became an in demand session musician. Prince met her in 1978 and eventually she joined his group. He produced The Glamorous Life and the single reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Singing was never Sheila's main gig so Prince coached her through the vocals. She had one other top twenty hit with A Love Bizarre in 1985. But most fans will only want the one song and the original album is available on CD. For the rest of the 80s, Sheila was drummer and musical director for Prince. After leaving Prince in 1989, Sheila has recorded occasionally but has mainly toured with others and done guest shots. She led the band on Magic Johnson's talk show The Magic Show. She has also toured with Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band where she does a gag drum duet with Starr designed to showcase her talent. The gag is he can't keep up with her. He can't keep up with her anyway. She also won the CMT talent show Gone Country in 2009. The prize was the single Glorious Train produced by John Rich. She has reunited with Prince occasionally too. So now you know there is more to Sheila Escovedo than one hit song. Here's the video for The Glamorous Life by Sheila E. I know it seems hard to believe but this video is not on Youtube.
Shelia E Glamorous Life
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