Ralph Mooney (September 16, 1928 – March 20, 2011) was an influential American steel guitarist and songwriter, renowned for his contributions to the country music genre. Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, Mooney moved to California as a teenager, where he was inspired by Leon McAuliffe's "Steel Guitar Rag" and began playing the steel guitar, eventually building his own instrument. His early career included playing with local bands and recording with Skeets McDonald.

Mooney became a pivotal figure in the Bakersfield sound, performing with artists such as Wynn Stewart, Buck Owens, and Merle Haggard. He was a member of Haggard's band, the Strangers, and later joined Waylon Jennings' band, the Waylors, where he played for two decades. Known for his instrumental prowess, Mooney also co-wrote the classic "Crazy Arms," which became a major hit for Ray Price in 1956 and helped define the honky tonk style.

Throughout his career, Mooney played on numerous recordings, leaving a lasting impact on country music. His work earned him a place in the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 1983. Mooney's legacy continued with his final recordings on Marty Stuart's 2010 album, Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 82, leaving behind a significant musical legacy.