Jim Sonefeld
- GRAMMY award-winning drummer for globally beloved band Hootie & the Blowfish and critically acclaimed solo artist
- Combines music and storytelling to tell captivating and relatable stories of overcoming hardship and adversity on the path to achieving big dreams
- Shares powerful messages on the importance of hope, positivity, purpose, and adapting to change
Travels From
South Carolina
Jim Sonefeld The Story Behind "Not Waiting On Sunday"
Hootie & The Blowfish Drummer Jim Sonefeld Discusses How He Wrote "Hold My Hand"
Jim Sonefeld Speaker Biography
Everyone has heard a Jim Sonefeld song – even if they don’t know it. He is the drummer of one of the top-selling rock bands of all time, Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as an award-winning songwriter and solo artist. Throughout his prolific career, his music has reached every corner of the globe and captured the imaginations of people from every walk of life.
Audience members experience every emotion as Sonefeld combines musical performance and storytelling to share his powerful story of reaching unimaginable highs with Hootie & the Blowfish, hitting rock bottom as drug and alcohol addiction consumed him, and then seeking guidance on the path back to reclaiming his life. Sonefeld shares inspirational, never-before-heard behind-the-scenes stories from his life and the rise of Hootie & the Blowfish to illustrate how anyone is capable of overcoming any obstacle to achieve their purpose in life.
Growing up, Sonefeld was enamored with the world of sports and dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. Things didn’t go exactly as he planned in the sporting world, but that didn’t stop him from chasing a new dream. He began writing songs and performing music, and soon found himself fully engaged in the pursuit to make his mark in the music industry. Following the formation of Hootie & the Blowfish, the band released their 1994 debut album “Cracked Rear View,” which would go on to become the ninth best-selling album of all time in the United States. The first single, “Hold My Hand,” was a song Sonefeld brought to the band and showcased his songwriting ability as they shot to success. The rest, as they say, is history. Soon, the band found themselves touring the world, winning numerous awards (including two GRAMMYs), and recording six more studio albums.
Following his recovery from addiction, Sonefeld remains on the spiritual path and has released four faith-based extended plays, including his most recent work, “Remember Tomorrow,” which includes singles such as the rocking “Unafraid” and the sentimental “I See Heaven on Earth.” Sonefeld never takes for granted the blessing of the far-reaching audience he has garnered throughout his career journey with Hootie & the Blowfish, and in his solo endeavors. No matter the size of the audience before him, he is grateful to perform and spread messages of hope, positivity, purpose, and adapting to change.
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.
