Hootie and the Blowfish’s Jim Sonefeld: A story of rock ‘n’ roll, addiction, recovery and redemption
In this episode of the Live Faith First podcast, host Elliot Sands interviews Jim Sonefeld, the drummer of Hootie and the Blowfish. They discuss Jim's journey from a curious child in Illinois to a successful musician, touching on themes of addiction, recovery, and the importance of generosity. Jim shares his experiences with fame, the challenges of maintaining relationships, and how faith has played a crucial role in his life. The conversation highlights the significance of community, the struggles of addiction, and the joy of rediscovering purpose through music and service.
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. 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.
Enjoy this episode, and Let’s All Live Faith First!!!
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