Ry Cooder

The Profile

American guitarist, singer and composer famed for expressive slide guitar, archival roots explorations and landmark film scores. Collaborated with Taj Mahal, the Rolling Stones, Captain Beefheart and Neil Young, and helped bring Cuban veterans to global attention with Buena Vista Social Club.

Born in Los Angeles in 1947; acclaimed slide guitarist and composer active since the 1960s; key film scores include Paris, Texas; collaborated with Taj Mahal, the Rolling Stones, Captain Beefheart and Neil Young; ranked 8th in Rolling Stone’s 2003 ‘100 Greatest Guitarists’ list.

Seven DeBaser reviews chart Ry Cooder’s journey from the spare, iconic Paris, Texas score to Tex‑Mex fiestas and rootsy reverence. Critics praise his slide touch, archival zeal and band chemistry, with a lone thumbs‑down for his short‑story collection. Overall: a warmly regarded, genre‑spanning craftsman whose soundtracks and Americana vision loom large.