Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler has been a music force for the last thirty years. The child of a Hungarian father and English mother, Knopfler was born in 1949. Although he is left-handed, Knopfler began to play guitar right-handed. In music circles he is as well known for his guitar playing as he is for his song writing and composing. In 1977, he brought together a group of musicians to form Dire Straits. Their first record included "Sultans of Swing", which became an international hit. More hits followed, including "Walk of Life", and the now iconic song, "Money for Nothing." With Sting singing “I want my MTV” in the back ground, Knopfler’s music and lyrics helped define and at the same time comment on music and television. Knopfler ended Dire Straits in 1995. Throughout his career Knopfler has composed music for films, including A Shot at Glory, Cal, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Local Hero, Metroland, The Princess Bride, and Wag the Dog. His solo records, which often include former collaborators from Dire Straits, include Golden Heart, The Trawlerman’s Song, The Ragpicker’s Dream, Sailing to Philadelphia (with guest appearances form James Taylor, Van Morrison, and Squeeze), and Shangri-La. Knopfler has also worked with Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, B.B. King, Tina Turner, Tony Joe White, and Emmylou Harris on the album All the Road Running. And if you go to see one of Knopfler's performances, feel free to bring a teapot along with you - the guitar master has been known to favor a cup of refreshment during his concerts.
