American percussionist Coke Escovedo was born as Thomas Escovedo on April 30, 1941 in Los Angeles, California.



Coke Escovedo was a member of the rock band Santana, and later formed the musical group Azteca. Escovedo toured with Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock.



Coke Escovedo's niece is Prince collaborator Sheila Escovedo (aka Sheila E.). His song Runaway (I Wouldn't Change a Thing) was featured on the breakbeat compilation Ultimate Breaks and Beats.



Coke's brothers include Peter Escovedo, who was also percussionist with Santana (and father of Sheila E) and Alejandro Escovedo, who is currently a prominent recording artist working in the Americana style of music and formerly led the 90's band the True Believers.



Coke Escovedo died on July 13, 1986.