Jim Bonfanti
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James Alexander Bonfanti, born December 17, 1948 in Windber, Pennsylvania, is a rock drummer, best known as a member of The Raspberries.
Bonfanti's music career began in 1965 when he saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. That experience eventually led him to join the Mods – which was later renamed the Choir, who’s recording of "It’s Cold Outside" reached the national charts in 1967.
In 1970, Jim, Wally Bryson, Dave Smalley and Eric Carmen formed The Raspberries who made four albums, eight singles, many road trips (including Carnegie Hall), national and international success, including a gold record for their major hit "Go All The Way".
Following two albums both released in 1972, creative tension came to a head sparked largely by Carmen's creative dominance over the contributions of fellow members. After the release of the Raspberries' third album, Side 3, Smalley and Bonfanti departed the Raspberries to form their own band, Dynamite.
After a number of years away from the music business, he met Jeff Soukup in 1992 who convinced him music was something he truly missed. Dusting off his old Raspberries' Ludwig drum kit, he started to get back into playing again by sitting in with other bands and realizing it really could be fun again. One of those other bands he'd sit in with frequently was Obnoxious, where he formed great friendships with Paul Sidoti and Brian Dossa. Together with Jeff Soukup, they formed Boxer.
