Ry Cooder
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.
Personal Details
Movies (43)
Amoramar
Songs (Sound)
2023
Wim Wenders, Desperado
as Self (archive footage)
2020
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
as Self
2019
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2014
as Self
2014
This Ain't No Mouse Music!
as Self
2014
The People Speak
as Self
2009
Talking Guitars
as Self
2008
My Blueberry Nights
Original Music Composer (Sound)
2007
John Lee Hooker: Come and See About Me
as Self
2004
Warren Zevon: Keep Me in Your Heart
as Self
2003
Chavez Ravine: A Los Angeles Story
Original Music Composer (Sound)
2003
Buena Vista Social Club
as Self
1999
Primary Colors
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1998
The End of Violence
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1997
The Artist Formerly Known As Captain Beefheart
as Himself
1997
Last Man Standing
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1996
Dead Man Walking
Music Producer (Sound)
1995
The Great Music Experience | Nara City, Japan 1994
as Self
1994
Ry Cooder & David Lindley: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium
as guitar, vocals
1994
Geronimo: An American Legend
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1993
Trespass
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1992
John Lee Hooker and Friends 1984-1992
1992
Motion and Emotion: The Road to 'Paris, Texas'
as Self
1990
Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim Wenders
as Self
1990
Johnny Handsome
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1989
Rabbit Ears - Pecos Bill
Music (Sound)
1988
Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have a Ball
as Himself
1988
Texas, Osijek
Music (Sound)
1987
Extreme Prejudice
Music Producer (Sound)
1987
Blue City
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1986
Crossroads
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1986
Annie Oakley
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1985
Brewster's Millions
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1985
Alamo Bay
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1985
Paris, Texas
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1984
Streets of Fire
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1984
Randy Newman: Live at the Odeon
as Self
1982
The Border
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1982
Southern Comfort
Original Music Composer (Sound)
1981
Witzleben
Music (Sound)
1981
The Long Riders
as Wedding Band Guitar Player (uncredited)
1980
Blue Collar
Additional Music (Crew)
1978
Ry Cooder: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
1970
