She was an '80s pop music sensation, but today, her talent shines in a different spotlight. Naturally talented, Sheila E. never received formal training to play percussion, but God gave her the gift through watching her father play. In a recent backstage interview, former pop star Sheila E. discusses her journey to the Lord and her new career in Gospel music.

Sheila E. rose to the top of the music charts in the 80s with her hit, "The Glamorous Life." Recently she gave another top performance at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, but this time it's a completely different kind of music.

This music is Gospel, featuring Sheila E., Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson, George Duke and more, with Tommy Ford, Tia and Tamera Mowry and Austin Peck as hosts. They are delivering the message of Jesus to people looking for answers. It was the answer that motivated percussionist Sheila E. to change her beat.

"Gospel music touches you in some kind of form, whether you're a believer or not," says Sheila. "To see the performers here tonight, it's incredible to be a part of this. I've worked with many of them before. It was great to have my church purpose involved and my pastor speaking tonight, so that was wonderful. Anything dealing with the Gospel at this time in my life is very important."

Sheila E. first gave her heart to the Lord at the age of nineteen in 1978 or 1979. She was with George Duke, the piano player.

"I was going through a lot in my life. One of the singers in the band said, 'You know what? If you give your heart to the Lord and surrender everything to Him you won't have to worry about a thing.' We sat there and prayed and I gave my heart to the Lord."

But in 1983, Prince discovered Sheila E., and he introduced her to the deceitful, glamorous life. Through the '80s with Prince, Sheila was able to do whatever she wanted. She thought taking off her clothes and being free were what she had wanted to do. It didn't take long for Sheila to realize this truly wasn’t the glamorous life.

While playing on the "Glamorous Life" tour, the comment was made to her that most people were saying, 'I wonder what's Sheila E's going to wear or rather what she is not going to wear.'

"It wasn't about me playing anymore. I started feeling uncomfortable and very naked in front of those people. I didn't like it, and this is the reason I started to change. It was another process of growing and getting closer to the Lord for me."

Sheila is finally rid of that life and now plays percussion for Bam Crawford's Purpose. Her connection to the group came when friends that were going to Bible Enrichment Fellowship persevered in inviting her to church.

"They kept saying, 'You have to come to church; you have to hear the Word; our pastor is wonderful.' I said, 'Yeah, I'll go to church one day!' I did end up going and I was amazed. I was blessed the first time I went. Bam Crawford seemed like she was talking to everyone, but specifically talking to me."

Now, Sheila E. feels it's important for people to know that she has changed. Today in her life Jesus is her best friend. She can't go a day without talking to Him. He's her everything. He's her life.

"I try to tell people that if you surrender everything to him, you won't have to worry. You won't have to think about all the problems. Everyone has their problems about money, financially and also their faith. All they need to do is talk to Him."

Sheila is remarkable. Never have I seen anyone perform like she did the night the airconditiong went out at PP. She's got SOUL and it makes her strong and resilient.

She don't need to marry into another's religion. She has the REAL God on her side.