Ryland Peter "Ry" Cooder is an American musician. He is known for his slide guitar work, his interest in roots music from the United States, and, more recently, his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries. His solo work has been eclectic, encompassing folk, blues, Tex-Mex, soul, gospel, rock, and much more. He has collaborated with many musicians, notably including Captain Beefheart, Ali Farka Tour�, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Randy Newman, David Lindley, The Chieftains, and The Doobie Brothers. He briefly formed a band named Little Village. Ry Cooder produced the Buena Vista Social Club album, which became a worldwide hit. Wim Wenders directed the documentary film of the same name, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2000. He was ranked eighth on Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". A 2010 ranking by Gibson placed him at number 32. 

March 15th, 1947 in Los Angeles (Age 78)