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Jim Sonefeld

Jim Sonefeld

Grammy Award-Winning Musician & Drummer, Hootie & the Blowfish; Acclaimed Solo Artist and Memoirist; Addiction and Recovery Speaker

Travels From Travels From:
South Carolina, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000
Virtual Event: Please Contact
More Fee Info
Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Addiction & Recovery, Authors, Christian, Christian, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Mental Health, Music, Non-Fiction Authors, Overcoming Adversity
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Jim Sonefeld Biography

Jim “Soni” Sonefeld has had a prolific career spanning from touring musician in one of the top-selling rock bands of all time, to award-winning songwriter, to solo artist. As Sonefeld geared up to release his fourth faith-inspired EP, "Remember Tomorrow," he added the title of author to his list of achievements. His memoir, “Swimming With The Blowfish – Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride,” published by Diversion Books, was released in 2022.

The Hootie & the Blowfish drummer grew up dreaming more of sporting victories than becoming a successful musician, but after that dream came to a close, he immediately began writing songs, performing, and chasing a music dream. With the unsuspected success of Hootie & the Blowfish’s 1994 debut release, “Cracked Rear View”, he and his bandmates found themselves traveling the world to support what would become the 9th best-selling album of all time in the United States.

The first single, “Hold My Hand,” a tune Sonefeld brought to the band early on, helped thrust Hootie & the Blowfish into its great success, and likewise showcases his songwriting ability. In the years to follow, the band would record six more studio albums and receive numerous awards, among them, two GRAMMYS®.

In the early 2000s Sonefeld began relying on drugs and alcohol to feed an emptiness growing inside of him and would struggle to control his substance use. It wasn’t until late 2004 that he finally accepted he was powerless over drugs and alcohol. It was there he made a turn that would save his life and eventually alter his spiritual path.

With a sober mind and new clarity, he began writing about his transcendent experience and the journey into healthier, happier living. Since his first full-length solo album "Snowman Melting" (2008) was released, under the name James Sonefeld, he has delivered a trilogy of EPs coined, "Found In Love."

The gift of recovery is what leads him to help others by sharing his powerful story and his music with groups around the southeast. Sonefeld is thrilled to be stepping out from behind the drum kit again to play his latest single ‘Bow To Him,” stating, “This song celebrates a full submission to love. It acknowledges God as a true liberator.”

Other tracks from his new EP, including the rocking “Unafraid,” and sentimental “I See Heaven On Earth,” fall in line with themes of acceptance, transformation, and victory over life’s difficulties. These days, Sonefeld enjoys his coffee, an obsession with Liverpool Football Club, and being part of his blended family of seven, never taking for granted the blessing of the far-reaching audience he has garnered through his career with Hootie & the Blowfish. But, no matter the size of the audience before him, Sonefeld is grateful to be performing music and spreading the positive message that’s always inspired him..

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 03/26/2025.

Jim Sonefeld Speaking Topics

  • Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride

    Seamlessly weaving together the power of song and storytelling, award-winning musician and drummer for Hootie & the Blowfish Jim Sonefeld takes audiences on a whirlwind journey that will have them experiencing every emotion imaginable. He’s open and honest as he retraces his path to stardom as a member of one of the biggest rock bands of all time, his subsequent descent to rock bottom, and his eventual redemption arc. His stories are wildly entertaining and full of inspirational lessons on taking chances, believing in yourself, and overcoming adversity on the path to making big dreams a reality. Sonefeld’s message resonates with any audience and his stories help people uncover the opportunities within their challenges as they set out to achieve their purpose.

Jim Sonefeld Videos

  • Jim Sonefeld's Sobriety Journey - YouTube
    Jim Sonefeld's Sobriety Journey - YouTube
  • Hootie & The Blowfish Drummer Jim Sonefeld Discusses How He ...
    Hootie & The Blowfish Drummer Jim Sonefeld Discusses How He ...
See All Videos »

Jim Sonefeld Books

  • Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride
    Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride

FAQs on booking Jim Sonefeld

  • How do I book Jim Sonefeld to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Jim Sonefeld speak about?

    Jim Sonefeld is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Addiction & Recovery, Authors, Christian, Christian, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Mental Health, Music, Non-Fiction Authors, Overcoming Adversity.

  • Where does Jim Sonefeld travel from?

    Jim Sonefeld generally travels from South Carolina, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

  • Who is Jim Sonefeld’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Jim Sonefeld for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Jim Sonefeld for your next private or corporate function.

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Jim Sonefeld is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jim Sonefeld for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Jim Sonefeld generally travels from SC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mack Brock, Lauren Daigle, Biff Gore, Leanna Crawford and Consumed By Fire. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jim Sonefeld for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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