Ry Cooder
Sound • Born 1947-03-15
Biography
Ryland "Ry" Peter Cooder is an American prominent guitarist, singer and composer. He is known for his slide guitar work, his interest in blues-rock, roots music from his native North America, and for his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries. Cooder's solo work has been an eclectic mix, taking in dust bowl folk, blues, Tex-Mex, soul, gospel, rock, and much else. He has collaborated with many important musicians, including The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Earl Hines, Little Feat, Captain Beefheart, The Chieftains, John Lee Hooker, Pops, Mavis Staples, Gabby Pahinui, Flaco Jiménez, Ibrahim Ferrer (Buena Vista Social Club), Freddy Fender and Ali Farka Touré. He formed the Little Village supergroup with Nick Lowe, John Hiatt, and Jim Keltner. Cooder was ranked 8th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." A 2010 ranking by Gibson placed him at #32.
Filmography
23 credits
The Long Riders
Movie • 1980
Wedding Band Guitar Player (uncredited)
Buena Vista Social Club
Movie • 1999
Self
The Artist Formerly Known As Captain Beefheart
Movie • 1997
Himself
John Lee Hooker: Come and See About Me
Movie • 2004
Self
Talking Guitars
Movie • 2008
Self
The Great Music Experience | Nara City, Japan 1994
Movie • 1994
Self
Motion and Emotion: The Road to 'Paris, Texas'
Movie • 1990
Self
Randy Newman: Live at the Odeon
Movie • 1982
Self
Warren Zevon: Keep Me in Your Heart
Movie • 2003
Self
Ry Cooder: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
Movie • 1970
Ry Cooder & David Lindley: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium
Movie • 1994
guitar, vocals
John Lee Hooker and Friends 1984-1992
Movie • 1992
Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have a Ball
Movie • 1988
Himself
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2014
Movie • 2014
Self
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
Movie • 2019
Self
Wim Wenders, Desperado
Movie • 2020
Self (archive footage)
Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim Wenders
Movie • 1990
Self
This Ain't No Mouse Music!
Movie • 2014
Self
The People Speak
Movie • 2009
Self
Austin City Limits
TV • 1975
Self
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
TV • 1962
Self
Rockpalast
TV • 1974
Saturday Night Live
TV • 1975
Self - Musical Guest