Ry Cooder is an influential American guitarist, singer, and composer known for his slide guitar work and his interest in roots music from the United States and beyond. Cooder's discography spans over four decades, featuring a distinctive blend of rock, blues, country, folk, and world music. His significant contributions to film soundtracks, such as "Paris, Texas," have also earned him high acclaim. Cooder's work, including his collaborative project "Buena Vista Social Club" which helped bring traditional Cuban music to a global audience, solidifies his status as a critical figure in music history.