Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler is a British singer, guitarist, songwriter, composer and record producer from Glasgow, United Kingdom. He is known for his work in rock, blues rock, classic rock, folk, folk rock and singer-songwriter music, and for his fingerstyle guitar playing.

Dire Straits

He co-founds Dire Straits in 1977 with his younger brother David Knopfler. In the group, he serves as lead guitarist, lead singer and principal songwriter. Dire Straits becomes one of the best-selling rock acts of its era, with total sales of more than 120 million records, and Knopfler later enters the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2018.

Solo career and collaborations

After Dire Straits disbands in 1995, Knopfler records and produces nine solo albums. He also works with a wide range of artists, including B.B. King, Chet Atkins, Chris Botti, John Anderson, the Chieftains, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bryan Ferry, George Jones, Phil Lynott, Donal Lunny, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Sting, Emmylou Harris, James Taylor and Sonny Landreth. He sometimes works as a session musician. His associated acts include Brewers Droop, The Notting Hillbillies, The Duolian String Pickers, Eric Clapton & His All Star Band and Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes.

Producing and film music

Knopfler produces albums for Tina Turner, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman. He also composes and produces film scores for nine films, including Local Hero, Cal, The Princess Bride, Wag the Dog and Altamira.

Awards and recognition

He wins four Grammy Awards and receives the Edison Award, the Steiger Award and the Ivor Novello Award. He also holds three honorary doctorate degrees in music from universities in the United Kingdom and is ranked 27th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.