Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, known to millions as the drummer of the Grammy-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, once appeared to have it all — a thriving music career, a loving family, and the spotlight of fame. Yet, behind the scenes, Sonefeld was battling the grip of alcoholism, a struggle that nearly derailed his life. It was through addiction recovery that he found a renewed faith in God, leading him to embrace Christian music and a deeper spiritual purpose.

Sonefeld’s path to sobriety began in 2004 when he entered a 12-step program. Although he had grown up in a Christian home, his relationship with God had become distant over the years. He was surprised to discover that the program’s principles closely aligned with biblical teachings he’d learned as a child. “A friend got me a biblical recovery book. It had the 12 steps and the Bible. The principles of both were much closer than I’d ever thought,” Sonefeld shared.

This realization became a turning point. Sonefeld began to understand God not as a wrathful figure but as a source of compassion and grace. “I started releasing some of the hang-ups I had with the way religion was taught to me as a kid and began embracing the healthy frameworks I had pushed back on,” he reflected. This new perspective on faith not only helped him through recovery but also transformed the way he approached life, music, and his career.

Sonefeld’s journey of faith led him into Christian music, a stark departure from the mainstream hits Hootie & the Blowfish was known for, like “Hold My Hand” and “Let Her Cry.” After the band went on hiatus in 2008, Sonefeld used the time to focus on his faith, family, and music that reflected his spiritual rebirth. “I decided I wanted to sing and write about positive things, a celebration of faith and transformation,” he said. His solo albums became a platform to share his testimony and inspire others struggling with addiction.

Today, Sonefeld continues to tour with Hootie & the Blowfish but with a renewed sense of purpose. His music, both with the band and in his solo career, reflects his journey from addiction to faith, from darkness to light. His latest project, a Christmas album titled “Light of Joy,” blends the sacred and sentimental, celebrating the birth of Jesus while honoring the nostalgic rituals of the season.