Jim Bonfanti

James Alexander Bonfanti (born December 17, 1948 in Windber, Pennsylvania) is a rock drummer who is best known for having been a member of the band Raspberries. Bonfanti's music career began in 1965 when he saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show,[1] which eventually led him to join a band called "The Mods", later renamed The Choir.[2] Their recording of "It’s Cold Outside" reached the national charts in 1967. In 1970, Bonfanti, Wally Bryson, Dave Smalley and Eric Carmen formed Raspberries.[3] Together they produced four albums, eight singles, and a U.S. top ten and gold record for their major hit "Go All the Way".[4][5]

Jim Bonfanti
Bonfanti (left) with Raspberries in 1972.
Background information
Birth name	James Alexander Bofanti
Born	(1948-12-17) December 17, 1948 Windber, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Genres	Power pop
Occupation(s)	Drummer
Instrument(s)	Drums
Formerly of	Raspberries

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 left the Raspberries to form their own band, Dynamite.[6] As of 2015, Bonfanti resides in Mentor, Ohio.[7]