Ry Cooder is an American musician, songwriter, and producer known for his skillful slide guitar playing and deep knowledge of American roots music. Born in 1947, he has worked across genres including blues, folk, Tex-Mex, Cuban, and world music. Cooder gained recognition as a session musician, playing with artists like the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, and later earned acclaim for his solo albums and film scores. He is also known for his collaboration on the Buena Vista Social Club project, which brought international attention to Cuban music in the late 1990s. His work often explores cultural and political themes, blending traditional styles with modern storytelling.