Sun, Nov 08 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Sophie B. Hawkins emerged from New York City with a distinct rhythmic sensibility rooted in her percussion studies at the Manhattan School of Music and training under master drummer Babatunde Olatunji. After being abruptly dismissed from touring as Bryan Ferry’s percussionist, she channeled her artistic voice into songwriting, penning the seminal confession of longing, “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover”. While working as a coat-check attendant at Manhattan’s Joe Allen restaurant, her demo tape circulated to industry executives, triggering an intense bidding war among multiple record companies. Hawkins signed with Columbia Records and released her 1992 debut album, Tongues and Tails, which achieved widespread international acclaim, earned Gold certification, and garnered her a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist. Continue reading →