Ry Cooder
Actor
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
The Long Riders
as Wedding Band Guitar Player (uncredited) 1980
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
as Self 2019
The People Speak
as Self 2009
John Lee Hooker: Come and See About Me
as Self 2004
Wim Wenders, Desperado
as Self (archive footage) 2020
The Great Music Experience | Nara City, Japan 1994
as Self 1994
Ry Cooder & David Lindley: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium
as guitar, vocals 1994
Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have a Ball
as Himself 1988
This Ain't No Mouse Music!
as Self 2014
The Artist Formerly Known As Captain Beefheart
as Himself 1997
Talking Guitars
as Self 2008
Motion and Emotion: The Road to 'Paris, Texas'
as Self 1990
Randy Newman: Live at the Odeon
as Self 1982
Warren Zevon: Keep Me in Your Heart
as Self 2003
Ry Cooder: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
1970
John Lee Hooker and Friends 1984-1992
1992