Peter Michael Escovedo

Peter Michael Escovedo (born July 7, 1961) is an American percussionist and musical director. He is also known as Peter Michael Escovedo III.

Early life

Escovedo was born in Alameda County, California. Escovedo is a member of a musical family and is the son and namesake of percussionist Pete Escovedo. His siblings are percussionists Juan Escovedo and Sheila Escovedo (known as Sheila E.). His uncle is percussionist Coke Escovedo and his cousin is drummer René Escovedo. He is the biological father of Nicole Richie.

Career

Escovedo has worked as a musical director for television programs including the Wayne Brady Show and Martin Short Show and performers including Mos Def, Barry Manilow, Stevie Nicks, Justin Timberlake and Luther Vandross. He has toured with headliners including Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie and Tina Turner and has recorded with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Patti LaBelle and Kenny G.

In 2014, Peter Michael was invited along with his father Pete Escovedo and brother Juan Escovedo, by producer Gerry Gallagher to record with Latin rock legends El Chicano as well as Alphonse Mouzon, Brian Auger, Alex Ligertwood, Siedah Garrett, Walfredo Reyes Jr., Ray Parker Jr., Vikki Carr, Marcos J. Reyes, Lenny Castro, Salvador Santana, Marcos Reyes, and David Paich and is featured on percussion on a remake of a song co-written by Willie Bobo called "Sixty Two Fifty" which is featured on Gallagher's most recent studio album due out in 2017.

Personal life

Escovedo is the biological father of television personality Nicole Richie. Because the biological parents could not afford to provide for her financially, they let her move in with Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey at the age of three. In 2003 she told People "My parents were friends with Lionel," and "They trusted that they would be better able to provide for me."