He plays guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and more and his styles include Americana, roots rock, folk, blues, and more. In 2003 he was ranked #8 on Rolling Stone magazine’s The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Ry Cooder released his self-titled debut studio album in 1970 and has also released the albums Into the Purple Valley, Boomer’s Story, Paradise and Lunch, Chicken Skin Music, Show Time, Jazz, Bop till You Drop, Borderline, The Slide Area, Get Rhythm, Chavez Ravine, My Name Is Buddy, I, Flathead, Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down, Election Special, and The Prodigal Son.