Ry Cooder is an American musician, songwriter, and soundtrack composer. With a career spanning over five decades, he is known for his exceptional talent in various genres such as blues, folk, rock, and world music. Cooder’s distinctive slide guitar playing and emotive vocals have solidified his position as one of the most influential guitarists of all time.
Biography
| Name: | Ry Cooder |
| Date of Birth: | March 15, 1947 |
| Nationality: | American |
| Profession: | Musician, songwriter, film score composer, record producer, writer |
| Main Instrument: | Slide Guitar |
| Genres: | Various |
| Notable Collaborations: |
John Lee Hooker Captain Beefheart Taj Mahal Gordon Lightfoot Ali Farka Touré Eric Clapton The Rolling Stones Van Morrison Neil Young Randy Newman Linda Ronstadt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt David Lindley The Chieftains Warren Zevon Manuel Galbán The Doobie Brothers Carla Olson and The Textones |
| Notable Works: |
Little Village (band) Buena Vista Social Club (album and film) Los Angeles Stories (collection of short stories) |
| Awards: |
Ranked No. 8 on Rolling Stone magazine’s 2003 list of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” Ranked No. 32 on Gibson Guitar Corporation’s 2010 list Nominated for an Academy Award for the documentary film “Buena Vista Social Club” |
Early Life
Ry Cooder was born on March 15, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in a musical household, with his father being a talented musician and his mother a librarian. From a young age, Cooder showed a keen interest in music and began playing several instruments, including the guitar and the mandolin. His family moved to Santa Monica when he was a teenager, where he continued to hone his musical skills and explore various genres, including blues, folk, and country. This early exposure to a diverse range of musical influences would later shape Cooder’s distinctive style as a musician.Family
| Parents | Siblings |
|---|---|
| User Cooder | John Cooder |
| Martha Cooder | – |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | Around 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Chest | 40 inches (101.6 cm) |
| Waist | 34 inches (86.36 cm) |
| Hip | 38 inches (96.52 cm) |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
| Partner Name | Marriage Date | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Susan Titleman | 1982 | Ry Cooder is married to Susan Titleman since 1982. They have been together for several decades and share a strong bond. |
Ry Cooder’s previous relationship details are not publicly available.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Ry Cooder is an American musician and songwriter who became famous for his contributions to various genres such as blues, rock, folk, and world music. He gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a highly skilled guitarist, known for his virtuosity and versatility.
Cooder’s career started in the 1960s when he became a session musician, playing guitar on recordings by renowned artists such as Captain Beefheart and The Rolling Stones. He also played a significant role in revitalizing the careers of traditional musicians like Buena Vista Social Club and Ali Farka Touré.
Some of Ry Cooder’s popular works include:
- “Paris, Texas” – soundtrack for the Wim Wenders film of the same name
- “The Slide Area” – album featuring a fusion of rock and RB
- “Buena Vista Social Club” – collaborative album highlighting Cuban music
- “Crossroads” – soundtrack for the movie inspired by Robert Johnson’s legend
Ry Cooder has received numerous awards throughout his career, recognizing his exceptional talent and contributions to music. Some of the notable accolades he has received include:
- Grammy Awards
- Wim Wenders Award at the Venice Film Festival
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
While Ry Cooder is primarily known for his musical achievements, he has not been immune to controversies. Some controversial incidents involving him include:
- Political statements and activism – Cooder has been outspoken about various political issues, including advocating for social justice and criticizing governmental policies which has occasionally drawn both praise and criticism.
- Music copyright disputes – Cooder has been involved in copyright disputes with artists and music labels over royalties and ownership rights, particularly in relation to traditional and folk music.
- Controversial collaborations – Some of Cooder’s collaborations with musicians from countries under oppressive regimes have raised concerns about supporting governments with human rights issues.
Despite these controversies, Ry Cooder’s musical talent and innovative contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry, making him a respected figure among his peers and fans.
Faq
Ry Cooder is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer known for his contributions to multiple genres such as blues, rock, folk, and world music. He is considered a virtuoso on the guitar and has collaborated with various renowned artists throughout his career.
Ry Cooder was born on March 15, 1947.
Ry Cooder has released numerous critically acclaimed albums throughout his career. Some of his notable works include:
- Paris, Texas (1985) – Soundtrack album for the film of the same name.
- Chicken Skin Music (1976) – Features a blend of American and Hawaiian music.
- Buena Vista Social Club (1997) – Collaborative album with Cuban musicians, receiving widespread acclaim.
- Bop Till You Drop (1979) – Known for being the first digitally recorded popular music album.
Yes, Ry Cooder has won several awards throughout his career. Some notable accolades include:
- Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album for Buena Vista Social Club.
- Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album for Paradise and Lunch.
- Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for Talking Timbuktu (with Ali Farka Touré).
Yes, Ry Cooder occasionally performs live concerts. You can check his official website or ticketing platforms to stay updated about any upcoming tours or performances.
