
Person
Ry Cooder
Sound · Born 1947-03-15 · Los Angeles, California, USA
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.
Known for

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self

Saturday Night Live
Self - Musical Guest

Tales from the Crypt
Music

Austin City Limits
Self

Rockpalast
1974

Paris, Texas
Original Music Composer

Tall Tales & Legends
Music

Last Man Standing
Original Music Composer

Brewster's Millions
Original Music Composer

Streets of Fire
Original Music Composer
Filmography
- 2023AmoramarSongs
- 2020Wim Wenders, DesperadoSelf (archive footage)
- 2019Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My VoiceSelf
- 2014ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2014Self
- 2014This Ain't No Mouse Music!Self
- 2009The People SpeakSelf
- 2008Talking GuitarsSelf
- 2007My Blueberry NightsOriginal Music Composer
- 2004John Lee Hooker: Come and See About MeSelf
- 2003Chavez Ravine: A Los Angeles StoryOriginal Music Composer
- 1999Buena Vista Social ClubSelf
- 1998Primary ColorsOriginal Music Composer
- 1997The End of ViolenceOriginal Music Composer
- 1997The Artist Formerly Known As Captain BeefheartHimself
- 1996Last Man StandingOriginal Music Composer
- 1995Dead Man WalkingMusic Producer
- 1994The Great Music Experience | Nara City, Japan 1994Self
- 1994Ry Cooder & David Lindley: Live at the Fillmore Auditoriumguitar, vocals
- 1993Geronimo: An American LegendOriginal Music Composer
- 1992TrespassOriginal Music Composer
- 1992John Lee Hooker and Friends 1984-1992
- 1990Motion and Emotion: The Road to 'Paris, Texas'Self
- 1990Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim WendersSelf
- 1989Johnny HandsomeOriginal Music Composer
- 1989Tales from the CryptMusic
- 1988Rabbit Ears - Pecos BillMusic
- 1988Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have a BallHimself
- 1987Texas, OsijekMusic
- 1987Extreme PrejudiceMusic Producer
- 1986Blue CityOriginal Music Composer
- 1986CrossroadsOriginal Music Composer
- 1985Annie OakleyOriginal Music Composer
- 1985Tall Tales & LegendsMusic
- 1985Brewster's MillionsOriginal Music Composer
- 1985Alamo BayOriginal Music Composer
- 1984Paris, TexasOriginal Music Composer
- 1984Streets of FireOriginal Music Composer
- 1982Randy Newman: Live at the OdeonSelf
- 1982The BorderOriginal Music Composer
- 1981Southern ComfortOriginal Music Composer
- 1981WitzlebenMusic
- 1980The Long RidersWedding Band Guitar Player (uncredited)
- 1978Blue CollarAdditional Music
- 1975Saturday Night LiveSelf - Musical Guest
- 1975Austin City LimitsSelf
- 1974Rockpalast
- 1970Ry Cooder: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
- 1962The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonSelf
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