Ry Cooder, born March 15, 1947, is an acclaimed American musician, songwriter, producer, and writer, widely recognized for his masterful slide guitar playing and passion for traditional music from around the world. A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Cooder’s work spans genres and features collaborations with artists such as John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Ali Farka Touré, and Linda Ronstadt. He formed the supergroup Little Village and produced the landmark Buena Vista Social Club album. Celebrated for his innovative approach, Cooder has received high praise, including a top ten spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest guitarists. In addition to his musical achievements, he is also the author of the short story collection Los Angeles Stories.