Sheila E. discusses and signs "The Beat of My Own Drum"

Diesel, A Bookstore in Oakland welcomes musician and author Sheila E. to the store to discuss and sign her new memoir, The Beat of My Own Drum,on Wednesday, October 8th at 7pm.

Sheila E., born Sheila Escovedo in 1957, picked up the drumsticks and started making music at the precocious age of three, inspired by her legendary father, percussionist Pete Escovedo. Two years later, she delivered her first solo performance to a live audience. By nineteen, she had fallen in love with Carlos Santana and by twenty-one, she met Prince.

The Beat of My Own Drum is a walk through four decades of Latin and pop music memories, from her tours with Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, Prince, and Ringo Starr, to her own solo career. It is also a heartbreaking and ultimately redemptive look at how the sanctity of music can save a person’s life. Having endured sexual abuse as a child, Sheila credits her parents, music, and God with giving her the will to carry on and to build a lasting legacy. Rich in musical detail and history from the 70s and and 80s, this memoir is a unique glimpse into a drummer’s singular life and a treat for both new and longtime fans of Sheila E.

Emmy and Grammy Award nominee Sheila E. is one of the most talented percussionist/drummers in the world, performing and/or recording with Prince, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Con Funk Shun, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Ringo Starr, Hans Zimmer, and countless others. She maintains a heavy involvement in charitable organizations and promotes music and arts education as an alternative form of therapy.