Every Tuesday, the Analog Kid blog goes back in time and features some groovy R&B/soul songs from a specific year. Sometimes you’ll hear songs from individual artists, and other times you’ll get an entire full-length classic LP ripped directly from the Analog Kid’s vast vinyl vault. Warning: by R&B/soul, I also mean disco. I could go Village People on your ass at any given moment, so just be ready!
Sheila E. became famous seemingly overnight in 1984, but she had actually been playing drums in the big leagues for years. Some of her session credits include work with Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and Lionel Richie. Of course, it was her work with Prince that elevated Sheila Escovedo to star status. Her vocals on the epic Prince b-side “Erotic City” led to the full-length album The Glamorous Life, as well as a legendary opening slot on Prince’s Purple Rain tour. “The Glamorous Life” peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1984.
Do not make the mistake of lumping Sheila E. in with other Prince protégés such as Apollonia and Vanity. Simply put, she is one of the best drummers on the planet…even in high heels.
The Glamorous Life has been out of print on CD for quite a while, so the Analog Kid is happy to offer up this classic album on this extra-groovy Tuesday. You may now funk until the dawn!
Note: for further reading on Prince’s purple reign of 1984 (including more on Sheila E.), click here:
https://theanalogkidblog.com/2013/11/12/groovy-tuesday-1984-purple-reign-edition/
Sheila E.: The Glamorous Life
Warner Brothers Records, 1984
1. “The Belle Of St. Mark” (Prince)
2. “Shortberry Strawcake” (Prince)
3. “Noon Rendezvous” (Prince/Sheila E.)
4. “Oliver’s House” (Prince)
5. “Next Time Wipe The Lipstick Off Your Collar” (Prince)
6. “The Glamorous Life” (Prince)
_______________________________________________________________
Bonus Tracks!
The first rule of The Analog Kid blog is that if you write about a song on the Analog Kid blog, you share the song on the Analog Kid blog.
Prince & The Revolution: “Erotic City” (Prince)
B-side of the 7″ single Let’s Go Crazy
Warner Brothers Records, 1984
Sheila E: “The Glamorous Life” [Club Edit] (Prince)
From the 12″ single The Glamorous Life
Warner Brothers, 1984
The Analog Kid 
Wonderfull Lady Sheila E !