Reading the thread about Wendy's and Lisa's contributions to Prince got me to thinking about others who contributed to his sound and musicianship just as much but who often get overlooked. The Revolution-aries in the Pfan camp who cling to the notion that the Revs were the best in his life, often also cling to the essential-ness of Wendy and Lisa (see that thread for details).

Nonetheless, let us not ignore what others brought to the table. Today's topic: Sheila E.

Much more than some side project protege glamour girl (Sheila IS hellasexy tho), Sheila was an accomplished musician coming from a strong musical family before she met P. There is that whole story of him meeting her early in his career and asking her if she could join his band and she told him "you couldn't afford me" and after hearing her price, he agreed.

Based on a past post by T, her version of "The Glamorous Life" was radically different from what P had initially laid down. The arrival of Sheila introduced a few elements more prominent in his music:

- percussion... it wasn't obvious at first, but "The Glamorous Life" introduced that latin percussion sound in 84 a year before Miami Sound Machine would burst onto the scene with "Conga." Her addition to Prince's live show for the Purple Rain tour was a big hit, especially the reworkings of "I Would Die 4 U" and "Baby I'm a Star."

P returns to the drums in "Tambourine," perhaps inspired by Sheila? I do recall hearing Eric Leeds say that Sheila worked with P's percussion/drumming during the Lovesexy/Madhouse/Sign o the Times days, with Sheila showing P some complicated rhythms and helping him with them, which he picked up quickly; and according to Eric, P learned a lot from watching Sheila play. We know that "Sexual Suicide" comes from a rhythm track that Sheila showed P. "The Black Album," "Lovesexy," the Madhouse projects, and "Sign o the Times" evidence Sheila's role.

- sax... Eddie M. Again showcased in the Purple Rain tour, we see the return of the sax in Around the World in a Day's "The Ladder." This would pave the way for Eric Leeds from "Parade" on forward.

- bandmembers, musical community... Eddie M. would not be the first time that P utilized a band member introduced by Sheila. There would also be Bonnie Boyer, Miko Weaver, Levi(?), Kat Dyson, Rhonda Smith, Renato, and others that are maybe slipping my mind.

- music... I can only speculate here since I don't have anything to go on other than saying that Sheila was not musical light weight and was very conversant with jazz and fusion. I can only surmise that she helped expand P's musical vocabulary in this way.

WRECKANIZE THE EDIT.
[This message was edited Tue Feb 11 22:42:54 PST 2003 by NuPwrSoul]

Sheila E. was, without a doubt, one of the most influential and crucial artists who worked with Prince.

Their combined talents produced such amazing songs as "The Glamorous Life" (- don't tell me u don't feel like shaking it everytime u here this song!?!!), and she helped make "Sign 'O' The Times", "Lovesexy" and many other albums that much greater.

I simply love her and cherish the years she was with Prince. I think as far as his writing was concerned, he managed to explore new and interesting ground (thanks to her in part, no doubt).

I loved where he went, lyrically and musically during 1984/5/6/7/8. It was an exciting 5 years.

Major respect to her. It wouldn't have been the same without Sheila!

I agree!!!

Levi Searcer was in Sheila's band as well. I think ATWIAD had more input/inspiration from Sheila than what was actually known...Lotsa percussion and sax were used...

From the 'Purple Rain' tour and on...Prince included a sax in his band...after that tour...Prince began 'jazzing' up his music and finally made Sheila his own drummer! If Wendy & Lisa brought out his 'psychadelic' side...then Sheila was the one to really help him yank out that 'jazzy/fusion' side...even though we all know he always had it in him!

Sheila was the Bonnie to Prince's clyde...the Sid to his Nancy...the rice to his beans...ok...gone 2 far

I Think She Brought so Much Talent to his Fold.not only as a Player Herself but all the Talent that She Knew truly Re-Shape His Musical Vibe.Shelia E.Became the Uncredited Talent Scout For Prince's Bands when you get down to it especially from late 86 through now in some form or fashion.Props to you NuPwrSoul on this One.

She was remarkable at the celebration.Boy, what a night that was.

mistermaxxx said:

Excellent way of putting it--"talent scout for Prince's bands." Prince must trust her musical sensibility enough to welcome her recommendations for band members.

TheJoker said:

My sentiments exactly. You said it perfectly.

Much respect and to Sheila, a remarkable talent in her own right, and the reason some of Prince's music is what it is.

She and Prince together was a meshing of two incredible, unique talents that produced some untouchable music.

Excellent topic. Sheila E. is just one reason why I love the SOTT/Lovesexy band so much. And she deserves a thread on her accomplishments with and without Prince.

I've never underestimated Sheila's contribution to Prince's sound.Infact you could say both their music suffered for going their separate ways.i really liked her three Prince related albums in the 80's.
i bought 'sex cymbal' too. It's OK but their wasn't any Prince input and it showed.

There's always room for Sheila in Prince's band IMO.Don't get me wrong i like John Blackwell but LOVE Sheila.

Plus with Sheila E's inspiration, talent, contribution etc.,Prince did with one fell swoop on Glamorous Life what August Darnell aka Kid Creole had been trying to do for 5 years at that time with that latin flavor soul sound..get ova.

One of the most beautiful thangs is watching Sheila play her solo in SOTT. And her face being cut to every now and then when she is going to work in the same movie.

Shiela E is lovely and musically gifted...must also be a damn patient person as it seemed she lasted quite a while in the musical chairs rotation of prince band members.

^wreckanize the bump^

And the great thing is shelia is back!

Don't get me started on Sheila. I love Love Bizarre, that there is the funk.

Anyway, as far as her contribution, I think it's been very understated. Prince clearly has a lot of respect for her and I often wonder why she didn't stick around. Something happened.

I really hope that with these two working together again, they both do themselves justice.