Drummer Sheila E. was well-prepared for the success she found with the the release of the debut album in the summer of 1984. The daughter of Latin jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo, Sheila had been performing with his band since her teens. She had also recently provided vocals to the Prince song "Erotic City," which had been the b-side to his #1 hit "Let's Go Crazy" (and she would become a member of his band in 1987).

It was also Prince that wrote the title song for Sheila E.'s debut album The Glamorous Life. The funky track blended elements of jazz and R&B with a high-energy rhythm, punctuated by saxophone. The comely looks of the singer gave her a striking visual image and the song was an immediate smash.

In late July, "The Glamorous Life" became Sheila E,'s first US Top 40 hit. Driven by heavy airplay on R&B stations and in clubs - the song was a #1 hit on the club charts and a Top Ten R&B single - it easily crossed over on the pop charts. The song began a steady climb, reaching the Top Ten late September. A month later, "The Glamorous Life" peaked at #7 and would prove to be the biggest of Sheila E.'s three Top 40 hits.

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