| Knopfler was a late bloomer who worked as a journalist and a teacher, before forming Dire Straits in 1977. Two years later, the band, including his younger brother David, scored their first hit, 'Sultans of Swing'.
Though Dire Straits began as a group with a permanent line-up, it evolved into a title for Knopfler with varying personnel. An apolitical alternative to punk in the radical late 1970s and early 1980s, his restrained, thoughtful songs were characterised by mournful guitar and world-weary vocals.
The band's third album, 'Making Movies', was his most personal, featuring what has become his best-loved song, 'Romeo and Juliet', about a failed love affair. For the most part, Knopfler kept the deepest part of himself out of his song writing, creating fictional characters and narratives.
After the demise of Dire Straits in 1995, he returned to a more personal style for his debut solo album, 'Golden Heart', in 1996.
Having received song credits for two 1980 movies ('Brothers and Sisters' and 'Riding High'), Knopfler composed an enchanting score for Bill Forsyth's 'Local Hero', and also worked with the director on 'Comfort and Joy', in 1984.
Knopfler, who has performed his songs for many movies, was featured guitarist and music producer for Barry Levinson's 'Wag the Dog' in 1997, in addition to composing its score. Among his other film scores, are music for Rob Reiner's 'The Princess Bride', and 'Last Exit To Brooklyn'.
He has also collaborated with artists such as the Chieftains, Waylon Jennings and Vince Gill.
Mark has been married three times, and has twin sons from his second marriage, and a daughter with his current wife, Kitty Aldrige.
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