Exclusive: Sheila E. Says She Survived Childhood Abuse

Sheila E. at the Fox Fall Eco-Casion Party in L.A., Sept. 24, 2007.

Photo: Sara De Boer / Retna Ltd.

She may have been born to music royalty (her father is legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo and her godfather was the late Tito Puente) and become the ultimate '80s sex symbol—all stilettos and hairspray—but musician Sheila E. has come a long way since her days as the drummer for the New Power Generation. After years of silence, Prince's ex talks to Latina.com about her life, from "Erotic City" to the house of God.

On her relationship with legendary rocker Prince: It was challenging. We were in our own little world. We were on tour. We were enjoying life and just being able to be together and work together was perfect. But then there are times when it's too much and you grow apart. It was very difficult and we went through a change and I just had to let everything go. It wasn't just letting him go and the work go, it was both. The hardest part about it was letting go of my best friend.

On what drew her to God: I was raped at the age of five by a babysitter. That was devastating for me. Then I was molested for some years after that. At that point, I didn't want to be who I was. I wanted to change. Then in 1991 I did my record and my lung collapsed, my legs gave out, I was semi-paralyzed from playing drums in heels for so long. I was like, "okay, I really have to change my life." I went to a great church here in LA, 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. All of these things I've carried, being ashamed and feeling guilty, all of these things that are not of God. I just cried and said "thank you for my life and what I have." I knew I was here for a reason. And that was the change.

On breaking through rock 'n' roll's boys club: It was always about sex. They would degrade me and say, "you're only here because of blah, blah, you're not really that good. But I can do something for you if you do something for me." And what I did was say, "No, I'm not going to do that and be that person. I'm not going to have sex with anyone." I just felt dirty to be approached in that way. It made me feel like you're not good at what you do. But, because of my parents, them bringing me up saying "you be the woman that you are, be strong and do the right thing," I said "I am doing well and I don't have to prove anything to you."

On growing up in a famous family: It was just a big jam session. Dad [Pete Escovedo] would have all his friends and family over, Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria and Eddie Palmieri, everyone would come to the house and it seemed like we had parties everyday. 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.

For more of our interview with Shiela E., check out the April issue of Latina, on newsstands now.

Comments Login or register to post comments

'May God continue to bless her!She has come a long way as perfomer and as a person.God sees all,those who hurt will pay for that one day!' Outi5000, May 10, 2008 - 10:15am

'My mother bought me a ticket to your last show in Redondo Beach..I was front and center and completely blown away by your awsome performance. I am fourth generation in Redondo Beach and belive it to be a small town. I was honord to have you play here!!!! I was equally floored when PRINCE arrived to play along side you for a couple of minutes. I will never forget the experience. You've inspired me to never give up on my dreams even though times are hard and you remind me just how strong and confident latin women can really be. YOU ROCK! I too grew up with my father's band playing in my garage and living room. He played the drums and we haven't talked since I was thirteen due to his acholism. The drums always hit my heart in a very strong and deep way. The way you played spoke to me in a very positive way...I thankyou for that. I thank God for women like you! May God Bless you and keep you in his heart. I always wanted to play those drums!!! Maybe I will.' Mamaalicia, April 3, 2008 - 11:28am

'Sheila thank you for your testimony that you have shared w/ us. It is a miricle how the power of our savior all things can & will continue to change for the better. Recently I also was in search of my spiritual balance & now I have found it & live a different life. I have Jesus in my heart and I believe that all good things truely do come from believing and living for the Lord. Latina thank you for allowing this article to be exposed because we all do need to hear from those who have found Jesus in their life and that purpose is to have him in our hearts. Peace & Love to all who beleive & hope to those who are lost but will be found.' bizaguirre, April 3, 2008 - 12:06am

'Sheila thank you for being an inspiration to me and my family. What has happened in your past God allowed it to happen for a reason. N Sheila you are awesome be God is awesome in your life. Thank you for sharing your testimony with others, that they may come to know and except Jesus a their personal lord and Savior. Because of his grace and mercy you have been set aside to be a blessing to others. Matters what other people say or try to do, only Jesus died for you and is coming back for you. Don't look down but continue to look for his return. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. W ' niabriellea@hotmail.com, March 28, 2008 - 8:03am

'Sheila; U R a "Beautiful Spirit & Inspiration" 2 me! Thank u 4 u're testimonies throughout your music, sharing u're abuse and helping me to relize that I was too but, in another way. Because of you sharing your testimonies on your "Wrights of Passage" & "Heaven" CD, that I was able to purchase in 2006, I surrendered my life to God soon after and "Now I See"! I've always and will continue to support u, u're spiritual walk, continuing to make "GoodSearch" as my home page as well as the Elevate Hope Foundation!' hotthang319, March 24, 2008 - 4:45pm

'Sheila; U R a "Beautiful Spirit & Inspiration" 2 me! Thank u 4 u're testimonies throughout your music, sharing u're abuse and helping me to relize that I was too but, in another way. Because of you sharing your testimonies on your "Rights of Passage" & "Heavan" CD, that I was able to purchase in 2006, I surrendered my life to God soon after and "Now I See"! I've always and will continue to support u, u're spiritual walk, continuing to make "GoodSearch" as my home page as well as the Elevate Hope Foundation!' hotthang319, March 24, 2008 - 4:41pm

'Sheila is awesome...especially with the help of her website for abused and abandoned children, www.elevatehope.org I have been a fan of Sheila's since her days with Prince...and learning about her abuse later in years, is something I share with her 2. Knowing she stayed strong and lived life, I know I can 2. Thanks Latina.com for sharing this with others.' dmsrhotwitu, March 20, 2008 - 2:59pm

'Sheila is the ultimate drummer!! She'll be performing March 29th with her family at Harvelle's in Redondo Beach...see a great performer!!' dmsrhotwitu, March 20, 2008 - 2:57pm

'Thank you Latine for the article of Sheila E. it's nice to know that I am not alone in having the experience of childhood abuse. Although I was not sexually violated, I was physically abused by a school teacher as a child, it's good in knowing that someone like Seila E. can come out and speak on such a devastating situations and let others know that they are not alone.' niishmigwan, March 19, 2008 - 1:20pm

'I love Sheila E! She's the ultimate female percussionist! She's one of the many people who inspire me to reach my fullest potential! She survived the break up with Prince and I know that's had to have been very very hard! Not to mention being molested as a child. I'm so proud and happy for her that now she's in a very good place in her life, and most importantly she has found God!' Laughing, March 15, 2008 - 12:13pm