Sophie B. Hawkins is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and painter from New York City. Starting out as a percussionist at the Manhattan School of Music, she soon shifted her focus to songwriting and performing. Hawkins rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover, Right Beside You, and As I Lay Me Down. After a disagreement with her record label over her third album, she founded her own independent label, Trumpet Swan Productions. Beyond music, Hawkins is an advocate for animal rights, environmental issues, and LGBTQ rights.