The three artists Bob Seger fused to create his musical style: “Rhythmic, deep and fiery”

Bob Seger said he shaped his musical style around three artists: James Brown’s rhythmic drive, Bob Dylan’s lyrical depth and Little Richard’s fiery energy. The combination helps explain the qualities he aimed for as a songwriter and performer, even if listeners may debate how fully he achieved them.

Seger has also acknowledged Sam Cooke’s influence on “Heartache Tonight”, which he co-wrote with the Eagles. He said the song’s groove drew on Cooke, and that its chorus came to him while the musicians were playing. Seger began recording in 1961 with The Decibels, during a period when rock music was developing rapidly.