He embraces Christian music.
Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, known as the drummer for Grammy-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, seemed to lead a successful, fulfilled life, but privately struggled with alcoholism. Reflecting on his journey, he shared how his drinking progressed from a casual habit to full-blown dependency, a battle that brought him to a crossroads and years of hardship before he sought recovery. In 2004, he turned to a 12-step program, which, to his surprise, was rooted in the biblical teachings he had learned as a child. This unexpected alignment led him to a deeper exploration of faith and recovery.
Growing up in a Christian home, Sonefeld knew the Bible well but felt torn between different images of God—both loving and fearsome. This struggle kept him distanced from the church, especially as his music career flourished. However, as he embraced the principles of his recovery journey, Sonefeld found a new perspective on faith, one that emphasized compassion, grace, and personal healing. Over time, he released his previous reservations, realizing that many of the values he resisted were actually beneficial for his personal growth and sobriety.
Now sober for nearly twenty years, Sonefeld has experienced transformative personal changes, including a divorce and remarriage, and a new stage of life as his youngest children leave for college. Alongside these life events, he has committed himself to helping others struggling with addiction, sharing his story as a testament to the power of faith and recovery. His faith journey, shaped by biblical principles and the 12-step program, has not only brought personal fulfillment but also evolved his music from mainstream rock to themes of hope and renewal.
After Hootie & the Blowfish took a break in 2008, Sonefeld found himself focused on strengthening his spirituality, and he began creating Christian music as a solo artist. This shift allowed him to approach his earlier hits with fresh gratitude and purpose. Performing songs like “Hold My Hand” and “Let Her Cry” now feels like honoring his journey, while his solo work celebrates faith and recovery, expressing joy and rebirth.
His latest project, Light of Joy, a Christmas album, reflects both his faith and fondness for holiday traditions. Collaborating with Christian songwriters, he crafted songs like “Light of Joy (Gloria)” to celebrate Jesus’ birth while embracing cherished holiday memories. Sonefeld sees the album as a bridge between sacred and cultural aspects of Christmas, encouraging listeners to embrace both while remembering the season’s true meaning. As he prepares for the holidays, he also reminds those facing addiction or mental health struggles to reach out for support, emphasizing that hope and healing are always within reach.