Today is Sheila E.’s 65th birthday! Known as the “Queen of Percussion”, Sheila E. has made a name for herself as a solo artist as well as through her work with Prince. Sheila E. helped give music lovers a newfound appreciation for percussion – the heartbeat of music.

Percussion is defined as “a musical instrument that is sounded by being struck or scraped by hand or struck against another similar instrument”. Drums are the most common of percussion instruments, but many others have made an appearance in some of the greatest songs of all time. Such instruments include the woodblock, marimba, chimes, triangle, vibraslap, and the timeless cowbell. Let’s celebrate the Queen of Percussion with a rhythmic playlist.  For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that include a percussion instrument?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

As a loyal supporter of The Morning Show and the Coffee Break, we’d love to learn more about your perspective on what The Current provides for listeners and the Minnesota music community, and what it means to you personally. This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help us learn more about you and your interests, which will allow us to create more meaningful experiences for The Current’s supporters. We hope to hear from you. The survey is open until December 16.

Songs Played:
The Who – Magic Bus
Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Santana – Oye Como Va
Cake – Short Skirt Long Jacket
Blue Oyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
Incredible Bongo Band – Apache
The Hollies – Carrie Anne