Mark Knopfler Biography

Mark Freuder Knopfler, OBE (born August 12, 1949, Glasgow, Scotland) is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter.

He is best-known as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the band Dire Straits, but has also made albums as a solo performer and played in other bands (such as the Notting Hillbillies). He has also performed on the work of other artists, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the late Chet Atkins. He has produced albums for artists such as Tina Turner, Randy Newman, and (again) Bob Dylan. In addition, he has scored the music to several films, including Local Hero, The Princess Bride, Cal, Last Exit to Brooklyn and Wag the Dog. He is widely regarded as one of the best fingerstyle guitarists of the modern era. Knopfler was ranked #27 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."

Mark Knopfler is noted for being left-handed, but playing right-handed, and for fingerpicking instead of using a plectrum (i.e., "pick"); fingerpicking is usually associated with the acoustic guitar, but Knopfler usually (though not always) plays an electric guitar. His guitars include:

Knopfler used to live in the London district Notting Hill. During his time there, he formed a band named the Notting Hillbillies over a meal at a local wine bar.

Knopfler has been married three times. His second marriage gave him twin sons Benji and Joseph (born 1987); and his third marriage to actress Kitty Aldrige has given him daughters Isabella (born 1998) and Katya Rose (born 2003). The family currently lives in Chelsea.

Knopfler's guitar classic "Going Home" from the soundtrack to Local Hero is used before kick off at Newcastle United's home matches at St. James' Park. Knopfler makes a few appearances at St. James's to watch his favourite side, and did a charity gig at Shearer's Bar at St. James' Park.

A keen motorcyclist, in March 2003 Knopfler was involved in a motorbike crash, suffering from a broken collarbone and six broken ribs. He recovered however, and was able to return to the stage in 2004.

Knopfler holds a degree in English from Leeds University, as well as a honorary music degree given to him by the Newcastle University in 1993. In May 2006, Knopfler became a Doctor of Music (DMus) at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.