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
Cast Credits
Wim Wenders, Desperado
Character: Self (archive footage)
MOVIE • 2020
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2019
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2014
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2014
This Ain't No Mouse Music!
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2014
Talking Guitars
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2008
John Lee Hooker: Come and See About Me
Character:
MOVIE • 2004
Warren Zevon: Keep Me in Your Heart
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2003
Buena Vista Social Club
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1999
The Artist Formerly Known As Captain Beefheart
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 1997
The Great Music Experience | Nara City, Japan 1994
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1994
Ry Cooder & David Lindley: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium
Character: guitar, vocals
MOVIE • 1994
John Lee Hooker and Friends 1984-1992
Character:
MOVIE • 1992
Motion and Emotion: The Road to 'Paris, Texas'
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1990
Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim Wenders
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1990
Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have a Ball
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 1988
Randy Newman: Live at the Odeon
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1982
The Long Riders
Character: Wedding Band Guitar Player (uncredited)
MOVIE • 1980
Austin City Limits
Character: Self
TV • 1975
Rockpalast
Character:
TV • 1974
Ry Cooder: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
Character:
MOVIE • 1970
Crew
Crew Credits
Amoramar
Role: Songs
MOVIE • 2023
My Blueberry Nights
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 2007
Chavez Ravine: A Los Angeles Story
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 2003
Buena Vista Social Club
Role: Musician
MOVIE • 1999
Buena Vista Social Club
Role: Music Producer
MOVIE • 1999
Primary Colors
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1998
The End of Violence
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1997
Last Man Standing
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1996
Dead Man Walking
Role: Music Producer
MOVIE • 1995
Geronimo: An American Legend
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1993
Trespass
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1992
Johnny Handsome
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1989
Tales from the Crypt
Role: Music
TV • 1989
Rabbit Ears - Pecos Bill
Role: Music
MOVIE • 1988
Ry Cooder & The Moula Banda Rhythm Aces: Let's Have a Ball
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1988
Extreme Prejudice
Role: Music Producer
MOVIE • 1987
Blue City
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1986
Crossroads
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1986
Crossroads
Role: Musician
MOVIE • 1986
Annie Oakley
Role: Original Music Composer
MOVIE • 1985