Ry Cooder
Known for: Sound
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
Series
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self
1962
Series
Saturday Night Live
Self - Musical Guest
1975
Series
Austin City Limits
Self
1975
Series
Rockpalast
1974
Film
The Long Riders
Wedding Band Guitar Player (uncredited)
1980
Film
Buena Vista Social Club
Self
1999
Film
The People Speak
Self
2009
Film
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
Self
2019
Film
Wim Wenders, Desperado
Self (archive footage)
2020
The Great Music Experience | Nara City, Japan 1994
Self
1994
Film
Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim Wenders
Self
1990
Film
Motion and Emotion: The Road to 'Paris, Texas'
Self
1990
Film
Randy Newman: Live at the Odeon
Self
1982
Film
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2014
Self
2014
Film
John Lee Hooker and Friends 1984-1992
1992
Film
This Ain't No Mouse Music!
Self
2014
Film
Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have a Ball
Himself
1988
Film
Ry Cooder & David Lindley: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium
guitar, vocals
1994
Film
John Lee Hooker: Come and See About Me
Self
2004
Talking Guitars
Self
2008
Film
The Artist Formerly Known As Captain Beefheart
Himself
1997
Film
Ry Cooder: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
1970