Mark Knopfler (born 12 August 1949, Glasgow, Scotland).
Mark Knopfler formed his band,
Dire Straits, in 1977 in London. The band became an international success after the release of its debut album in 1978.
Though it began as a group with a permanent lineup led by guitarist Knopfler, in its first few years it evolved into a brand name for Knopfler with varying personnel.
He recorded with
Chet Atkins and with the
Notting Hillbillies.
In 1995, Knopfler quietly laid Dire Straits to rest. He launched a full-fledged solo career with the release of
Golden Heart in 1996; subsequent soundtrack efforts include 1998′s
Wag the Dog, 1998′s
Metroland, and 2002′s
Shot at Glory.
Mark Knopfler