Mark Knopfler life and biography

Mark Knopfler: A Legendary Career in Music

Mark Freuder Knopfler is a Scottish-born British guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer and film score composer. He is best known as the lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the British rock band Dire Straits, which he co-founded in 1977.

Early Life and Inspirations

Mark Freuder Knopfler was born on August 12, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, to an architect father from Hungary and a schoolteacher mother. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Newcastle, England, where Knopfler spent most of his childhood. His first spark of interest in music came from his uncle Kingsley, who played boogie-woogie on the piano. Reflecting on that inspiration, Knopfler once said, "I heard my uncle Kingsley playing boogie-woogie on the piano when I was about eight or nine, and I thought that those three chords were the most magnificent things in the world—still do."

As a teenager, Knopfler’s father encouraged his musical passion by giving him a Fender electric guitar. However, the gift lacked an amplifier, so Knopfler tried to use the family's radio to amplify the sound, which ended up destroying it. Despite this mishap, his passion for music only grew stronger.

Education and Early Career

Knopfler left home at 17 to attend journalism school, later working as a reporter and music critic at the Yorkshire Evening Post. He eventually pursued an English degree at Leeds University, where he graduated in 1973. His love for literature, particularly the works of William Shakespeare, Raymond Chandler, and metaphysical poets, deeply influenced his songwriting.

After graduation, Knopfler moved to London to chase his dream of becoming a musician. Struggling financially, he lived in a room without heat and slept on an ambulance stretcher. To make ends meet, he took a part-time job teaching English at Loughton College, a position he held until 1977.

Founding Dire Straits

During his time teaching, Knopfler met bass player John Illsley, who worked at a lumber yard. Together with Knopfler's brother David on rhythm guitar and Pick Withers on drums, they formed the band Dire Straits in 1977. The group's big break came when a local disc jockey played their demo track "Sultans of Swing," leading to a record deal with Phonogram's Vertigo label.

The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1978, introduced the world to Knopfler's distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing and storytelling lyrics. Dire Straits quickly gained international recognition, and by the time they released their second album, Communiqué, in 1979, Knopfler was also playing guitar for major artists like Bob Dylan and Steely Dan.

Success and Challenges with Dire Straits

Dire Straits reached new heights with the release of Making Movies in 1980, although it was a tumultuous time for Knopfler, as his brother David left the band due to creative differences. Despite the strain, the album was a success, and the addition of guitarist Hal Lindes and keyboardist Alan Clark revitalized the band. They continued to release successful albums, including Love Over Gold in 1982 and the live album Alchemy in 1984.

The pinnacle of Dire Straits' success came with the 1985 release of Brothers in Arms. The album, featuring hits like "Money for Nothing," sold over 15 million copies worldwide and earned multiple awards. The band's fame culminated in a performance at the Prince's Trust Rock Gala alongside music legends like Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Paul McCartney.

By 1988, Knopfler decided to disband Dire Straits, citing the overwhelming focus on the band's popularity over the music itself. However, they reunited for one final album, On Every Street, in 1991.

Ventures into Film and Collaborations

In the early 1980s, Knopfler began composing music for films, making his debut with the 1983 film Local Hero. The score won a British Academy of Film and Television Award, and the single "Going Home" became a beloved theme. Knopfler continued to score films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including The Princess Bride (1987), Wag the Dog (1998), and Metroland (1999). His work was so well-regarded that a compilation of his film scores, titled Screenplaying, was released in 1993.

In addition to his film work, Knopfler collaborated with various artists, forming the country-influenced band the Notting Hillbillies in 1990. The group, which included longtime friends Steve Phillips and Brendan Croker, released the album Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time. That same year, Knopfler recorded the Grammy-winning album Neck and Neck with guitarist Chet Atkins, further exploring his country music influences.

Solo Career and Continued Influence

Knopfler launched his solo career in 1996 with the release of Golden Heart, recorded in Nashville and Dublin. The album featured contributions from artists like Vince Gill and the Chieftains, and its single "Darling Pretty" was featured in the soundtrack for the film Twister.

Despite his success, Knopfler remained as dedicated as ever to his craft. "My enjoyment of making records has increased with age," he said in a biography from his record company. "I love to write. Being inspired, for want of a better word, is one of the best feelings you can have. It's a huge, glorious adventure for me, and I love being a part of it."

Knopfler's influence on modern music is undeniable. He is one of the most respected fingerstyle guitarists of the rock era, ranking 27th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. With Dire Straits, Knopfler has sold over 120 million albums worldwide. He is also a four-time Grammy Award winner, a recipient of the Edison Award and Steiger Award, and holds three honorary doctorates in music from universities in the United Kingdom.

Contributions to Country Music

Beyond his work with Dire Straits and as a solo artist, Knopfler made significant contributions to country music. The Notting Hillbillies, formed in 1988, showcased his deep appreciation for the genre. The group's sole studio album featured the minor hit "Your Own Sweet Way."

Knopfler further explored country music with his collaboration with Chet Atkins on the Neck and Neck album, which included the single "Poor Boy Blues." He also contributed guitar work to John Anderson's 1992 single "When It Comes to You" and collaborated with George Jones on The Bradley Barn Sessions.

In 2006, Knopfler teamed up with Emmylou Harris to release the country album All the Roadrunning, followed by a live CD/DVD titled Real Live Roadrunning. He continued to work in the genre, contributing to albums by artists like Jimmy Buffett and Kris Kristofferson.

Personal Life and Interests

Mark Knopfler has been married three times. His first marriage was to his longtime girlfriend Kathy White, though they separated before Knopfler moved to London in 1973. His second marriage, in November 1983, was to Lourdes Salomone, with whom he had twin sons in 1987. The marriage ended in 1993. On Valentine’s Day 1997, Knopfler married British actress and writer Kitty Aldridge, with whom he has two daughters.

A devoted fan of Newcastle United F.C., Knopfler's song "Going Home (Theme of the Local Hero)" is used as an anthem at the club's home games. He is also an avid classic car collector, owning and racing cars like a Maserati 300S and an Austin-Healey 100S.

In January 2024, Knopfler auctioned over 120 of his guitars and amps in London, raising more than £8 million. A quarter of the proceeds were donated to charities. Among the items sold was the 1983 Les Paul used in iconic hits like "Money for Nothing" and "Brothers in Arms." Knopfler expressed his hope that the instruments would find loving homes and continue to be played rather than stored away.


Mark Knopfler's career is a testament to his passion for music and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether as the frontman of Dire Straits, a solo artist, or a collaborator, Knopfler's contributions have left an indelible mark on the music world. His unique blend of rock, country, and film composition, coupled with his masterful guitar playing, ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

Selected discography of Mark Knopfler:

Solo:
-Screenplaying , Warner Bros. Records, 1993.
-Golden Heart , Warner Bros. Records, 1996.

With Dire Straits:
-Dire Straits ,Warner Bros. Records, 1978.
-Communique , Warner Bros. Records, 1979.
-Making Movies , Warner Bros. Records, 1980.
-Love Over Gold , Warner Bros. Records, 1982.
-Twisting by the Pool , Warner Bros. Records, 1983.
-Alchemy: Dire Straits Live , Warner Bros. Records, 1984.
-Brothers in Arms , Warner Bros. Records, 1985.
-Money for Nothing , Warner Bros. Records, 1988.
-On Every Street ,Warner Bros. Records, 1991.

With others:
-(with Notting Hillibillies) Missing Presumed Having a Good Time , Columbia Records, 1990.
-(with Chet Atkins) Neck and Neck , Warner Bros. Records, 1990.

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