Jim Donovan (born March 10, 1968) is an American professional drummer and percussionist, a recording artist, writer, teacher and lecturer.

[1] He is best known as the former drummer and one of the founding members of the band Rusted Root.

Donovan studied and played African rhythms with various master drummers such as Congolese master drummer Elie Kihonia, Mamady Keita and Mbemba Bangoura.

He also studied African music with noted scholar Kwabena Nketia from Ghana.

[3] Donovan's CD Revelation #9 was nominated for 2004 Electronica Album of the Year by Just Plain Folks Songwriters organization.