DRUMMING SUPERSTAR, SHEILA E. NOW PLAYING ZILDJIAN CYMBALS
Norwell, MA – January 2007 – The Avedis Zildjian Company, the world’s #1 cymbal maker, proudly announces that legendary drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer, Sheila E. is now endorsing Zildjian Cymbals exclusively. According to John DeChristopher, Zildjian’s Vice President, Artist Relations & Event Marketing Worldwide, Sheila’s Zildjian cymbal set up consists of Ks, A Customs and Zildjian Sound Lab Prototypes.
Widely recognized as a true virtuoso of the instrument, Sheila E. grew up in a musical family, the eldest child of Pete and Juanita Escovedo. At the age of five, Sheila E. made her concert debut at the Sands Ballroom in Oakland , CA . Since age 17, Sheila has recorded and toured extensively with renowned artists such as Babyface, Billy Cobham, Natalie Cole, George Duke, Pete Escovedo, Gloria Estefan, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Ringo Starr, Tito Puente, Don Was, Stevie Wonder and countless others.
In 1983, Sheila caught the attention of Prince and changed her name to "Sheila E." Prince helped her record her first solo album, "The Glamorous Life", and the first single "The Glamorous Life", written, performed, and directed by Sheila E., was released in the spring of 1984, earning critical acclaim. This single went on to receive multiple Grammy and American Music Award nominations, and won MTV's Best Video Award. "The Glamorous Life" yielded a hit single in the title track, and another hit for its follow-up single, "The Belle of St. Mark". Sheila went on to tour the world with Prince from 1984-1988.
Sheila has played on countless albums, including the soundtrack to "Prince of Egypt", featuring Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, and Gloria Estefan's hugely successful "Mi Tierra". Among other notable appearances, Sheila performed at the 35th Annual Academy Awards with the incomparable Placido Domingo, the 1996 Summer Olympics and was featured in the "all girl" Grammy production opening number featuring Ellen De Generes. Other notable performances include "MTV Unplugged" with Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds , and "The Concert of The Americas", where past and present U.S. Presidents and their families were in attendance. She also appeared as featured artist with Jennifer Lopez on her promotional tour.
Since 2001, Sheila has been a regular member of Ringo Starr’s All Star Band and continues to be a groundbreaking drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter, producer and composer. She is also a tireless humanitarian as the Co-founder and Co-Chair of the Elevate Hope Foundation, a charitable organization that assists the needs of abused and abandoned children through music therapy.
Commented John DeChristopher, “We’ve long admired Sheila, and are honored to welcome her to the Zildjian Family. Besides being a world-class musician, songwriter and producer, she is also a positive role model and a true inspiration. With the many choices out there, we’re thrilled that Sheila chose to endorse Zildjian Cymbals.”
Sheila E. commented, “I’m very excited to be playing Zildjian Cymbals, and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
For more information, please contact:
Zildjian
22 Norwell
Norwell, MA 02061
Tel: 781.871.2200
Web: www.zildjian.com
