Mark Knopfler turns 75: Look back at 10 of the best Dire Straits songs
By releasing albums such as “Brothers in Arms” and hit singles the band sold in excess of 120 million records worldwide
Mark Knopfler turns 75: Look back at 10 of the best Dire Straits songs
Co-founder and the former frontman of the Dire Straits, one of the most well succeeded Rock bands of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Mark Knopfler co-founded Dire Straits in 1977 with his brother David Knopfler, and the band quickly achieved visibility due to their sound, at the time, opposite to the Punk Rock trend in England. Their earliest hits were “Sultans of Swing” and “Romeo and Juliet”, and in 1985 they released what is regarded as their masterpiece, the classic rock album “Brothers in Arms”, one of the best-selling albums of all time. Together, the band sold in excess of 120 million records worldwide. But despite the success, they disbanded in 1995.
Mark Knopfler was born on August 12, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, to an English mother and a Hungarian-Jewish father who had fled the Nazis. When Knopfler was seven, his family moved to Newcastle upon Tyne, in the north of England, where he grew up. Knopfler developed a passion for music early on, inspired by rock and roll artists like Elvis Presley and guitarists such as Chet Atkins and Hank Marvin. He began playing guitar in his teens and later pursued studies in journalism at Harlow College and English literature at the University of Leeds.
Before achieving fame as a musician, Knopfler worked as a junior reporter and later as a lecturer. However, his passion for music never waned, and in the mid-1970s, he formed the band Dire Straits with his younger brother David Knopfler, bassist John Illsley, and drummer Pick Withers. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1978, featured the hit single “Sultans of Swing,” which brought them international acclaim. Mark Knopfler’s distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and gravelly vocals quickly became the band’s signature sound.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Dire Straits became one of the most successful rock bands in the world, with Knopfler as the driving creative force. Their 1985 album Brothers in Arms was a massive commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling albums in history. The album featured hits like “Money for Nothing,” “Walk of Life,” and the title track “Brothers in Arms.” Knopfler’s guitar work on the album was widely praised, and he became known as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.
Dire Straits’ music, characterized by its melodic guitar riffs, thoughtful lyrics, and blues-rock influences, resonated with audiences worldwide. The band won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, and their live performances were legendary. However, despite the band’s success, Knopfler often expressed discomfort with the pressures of fame.
After Dire Straits disbanded in 1995, Knopfler embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his first solo album, Golden Heart, in 1996. His solo work allowed him to explore a broader range of musical styles, including folk, country, and blues. Albums like Sailing to Philadelphia (2000), Shangri-La (2004), and Get Lucky (2009) showcased his versatility as a musician and songwriter. Knopfler also composed scores for several films, including Local Hero (1983), The Princess Bride (1987), and Wag the Dog (1997), further establishing his reputation as a talented composer and he continued to tour and record music well into the 21st century, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
Mark Knopfler has always been a private individual, keeping his personal life out of the spotlight. He has been married three times and has four children. He currently resides in London. Knopfler is known for his modesty and down-to-earth demeanor, despite his global fame. He has often spoken about his preference for the creative process over the trappings of celebrity.
In addition to his music career, Knopfler is an avid car enthusiast and has a passion for classic cars. He has also been involved in various charitable endeavors over the years, supporting causes related to music education and conservation. Knopfler also holds three honorary doctorate degrees in music from universities in the United Kingdom, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits in 2018. Here’s 10 of the best Dire Straits songs to mark his 75th birthday.
10 – “Twisting by the Pool”, 1983
9 – “Calling Elvis”, 1992
“Walk of Life”, 1985
7 – “Private Investigations”, 1982
6 – “Your Latest Trick”, 1985
5 – “So Far Away”, 1985
4 – “Romeo and Juliet”, 1980
3 – “Money for Nothing”, 1985
2 – “Brothers in Arms”, 1985
1 – “Sultans of Swing”, 1978
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