Part 4/7:
Influences: A Fusion of Styles
What many drummers might overlook is the diverse range of influences that shaped Bonham's unique style. Jazz, blues, and R&B drummers like Joe Morello, Buddy Rich, and Max Roach played significant roles in Bonham's drumming evolution.
His ability to incorporate triplet patterns, intricate variations, and subtle syncopations drew heavily from these genres. This cross-genre inspiration is particularly evident in songs like “Good Times Bad Times” and “The Lemon Song,” where the complexity of his drumming complements the bluesy undertones of Led Zeppelin’s music.