Jim Sonefeld

Jim Sonefeld

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

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..

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Jim Sonefeld and other top speakers and celebrities.

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
Hootie & The Blowfish Drummer Jim Sonefeld Discusses How He ...

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

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Jim Sonefeld for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Jim Sonefeld, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Jim Sonefeld or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Jim Sonefeld for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Jim Sonefeld, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $30,000 - $50,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jim Sonefeld, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Jim Sonefeld speak about?

Jim Sonefeld is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Addiction & Recovery, Mental Health, Christian, Music, Author, Non-Fiction Authors, Faith & Religion and Overcoming Adversity.

Where does Jim Sonefeld travel from?

Jim Sonefeld generally travels from South Carolina, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Jim Sonefeld?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured 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 Schedule 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.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Jim Sonefeld or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Jim Sonefeld is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Addiction & Recovery, Mental Health and Christian. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jim Sonefeld for live events is $30,000 - $50,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Jim Sonefeld generally travels from South Carolina, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Todd Bridges, Brendan McDonough and Darryl Strawberry. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jim Sonefeld for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 25/03/2025.

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
Hootie & The Blowfish Drummer Jim Sonefeld Discusses How He ...
  • How do I book Jim Sonefeld to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Jim Sonefeld for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Jim Sonefeld, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Jim Sonefeld or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Jim Sonefeld for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Jim Sonefeld, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $30,000 - $50,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jim Sonefeld, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Jim Sonefeld speak about?

    Jim Sonefeld is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Addiction & Recovery, Mental Health, Christian, Music, Author, Non-Fiction Authors, Faith & Religion and Overcoming Adversity.
  • Where does Jim Sonefeld travel from?

    Jim Sonefeld generally travels from South Carolina, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Jim Sonefeld?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured 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 Schedule 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.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Jim Sonefeld or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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