Mark Knopfler Biography

Mark Knopfler

musician, songwriter, composer
Born: 8/12/1949
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland

Mark Knopfler is best known as the songwriter, lead guitarist, and singer for the band Dire Straits, which first gained notoriety in 1979 with the international hit “Sultans of Swing.” In 1985, Dire Straits released Brothers in Arms, which sold more than 30 million copies, and remains the top-selling record in British history. It yielded multiple hit singles, including “Money for Nothin',” “Walk of Life,” and “So Far Away.” With the band's demise in 1991 after a two-year tour, Knopfler embarked on a solo career. In addition, Knopfler has composed the scores for many motion pictures, beginning with Local Hero (1983), and including Cal (1984), The Princess Bride (1987), Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989), and Wag the Dog (1997).