Artists Who Changed Music: Ry Cooder

Cooder is a master of the slide guitar, both acoustic and the electric. He has integrated many rock elements into his blues- and folk-based playing, and his rhythm playing is as distinct as his soloing. Cooder possesses immaculate feel, timing, and pitch, a wonderful sense of melody, and an amazing capacity to play the right notes at the right time.

Cooder has a truly unique, instantly recognizable sound, and throughout his career, his guitar skills have been in huge demand. He was a guest performer on recordings by countless top artists, and he wrote the soundtracks for seventeen movies.

Cooder also made pioneering and influential albums with musicians from India, Africa, Cuba, Hawaii, and Ireland. Most of all, he created a stunning oeuvre of 17 highly-regarded solo albums, that taken together can match that of any great A-list artist. For all these reasons, Cooder is sometimes simply called “an American genius.”

Whether Cooder’s career has come full circle, or whether he has more pioneering projects in him, remains to be seen. But with seventeen solo albums, more than 20 collaborative albums, seventeen soundtrack albums, and countless guest performances on record, there is an extraordinary amount of music to explore for any of you who are not that familiar with his work…

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[Producelikeapro]

What other artists do you think changed music? Let me know below!

[darrellverdusco]

Great video! I played drums for Ry, live, from @1980-83…I was in John Hiatt’s band…and I have to say, playing with him was a highlight of my career…every night was just a joy and I’ll always have great memories of touring Europe (especially the UK)…the US, however, never really “got” him…we’d do multiple nights in theaters in Europe, and then come home to the US and play clubs so I completely get why he just got fed up with being a front man…anyway, clicking the subscribe button…Cheers!

[roddymoore]

Ry Cooder is not only an accomplished musician, but a musicologist. He has done a lot to keep our culture alive.

[markdrum]

Finally! Someone tips a hat to Ry Cooder. The guy's been a treasure for decades. Thank you so very much!

[noctilux]

A living legend. I followed him since 1977. What an amazing musician.

[Debaser]

His record Boomer's Story is way underrated in my opinion. One of the greatest American recordings of all time. A bunch of studio musicians at the top of their game playing for their own enjoyment. Ry is truly a world class musician and an inspiring collaborator. Everyone should run out and buy all his records.

[judiroth]

Finally, Ry Cooper has accolades. Such a gifted musician. 👏❤️👏❤️👍⭐️⭐️⭐️🌈

[vasonar]

Thanks for your recognition of a unique musical treasure that must not be forgotten. Long live Ry Cooder!!!

[Dandroid]

Anyone who hasn't seen it should check out his Old Grey Whistle Test solo on Dark End of the Street is one of those majestic moments that only he could provide! Whenever I'm feeling a little low, I always find myself listening to Mr gets old.

[mtrimm]

I'm so happy someone is giving this legend his due.

[ToneGuruLA]

This is awesome. Like a walk down memory lane. I worked with Ry when running live sound at the Ashgrove on the pier in 98. Ran sound for 10 years at McCabes too Working with Van Dyke Parks (nicest guy ever) among many. Ry was great to work with and his son is brilliant as well. So good to see the pics and learn more about the legend that is Ry Cooder. Bravo WH... 1000 thank you's.

[supa]

Thanks for making this video. The fewer people I have to personally explain the greatness of Ry Cooder too the better.

[melhockey]

I, like many have been to countless gigs, many I can barely recollect, but seeing Ry Cooder 40 odd years ago is one of those shows that never fade, your right Warren, thinking about it now nearly brings me to tears, but more than that aren't we fortunate to have artists such as Ry Cooder to move our souls and bring us pure joy.

[stevelawrie]

Ah, a guitarist, who's music, I can not do without! Been listening since the early 80's and have never stopped.

[waitsbatriani]

One more thing worth mentioning about Cooder's career - much credit needs to be placed with the great Warner Brothers Records Company of this era (the 1970s). They were the first major recording company to champion "non-commercial" artist's like Ry Cooder - mostly for the credibility and artistic cache they brought to the label - which in turn drew other great artists of the era. A pretty smart business plan really - that only lasted 10 years. We would not know Ry Cooder and many others, without them, today.

[geoffbeavis]

Heard Ry Cooder, initially, in the late 60’s. He opened the world of music for me. Such a talented, tasteful player. Listen to him almost daily.

[ampersandmcvinegar]

A friend converted one of Cooder's slide parts from crossroads to acoustic fingerstyle. I played it for my aunt and she said, "That sounds like Ry Cooder." That speaks volumes to how his style cuts through generations. ❤️✊

[hdtraincam]

Unlike a lot of shallow music experts that dont have a real finger on the subject ... you nailed the rycooder topic briliantly well done refreshing to see a accurate take on a muscian and there music

[stevemogan]

Loved the album he did with the Buena vista social club, simply amazing.

[prithviswar]

A brilliant tribute to this pathbreaking musical genius and original thinker.