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Mark Knopfler

Background information
Born August 12, 1949 (1949-08-12) (age 58) in Glasgow, Scotland
Origin Newcastle, England
Genre(s) Rock, Celtic rock, Country, Blues
Instrument(s) Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, vocals
Years active 1965[1]–present
Label(s) Vertigo, Mercury, Warner
Associated acts Dire Straits, The Notting Hillbillies
Website MarkKnopfler.com
Notable instrument(s)
Fender Stratocaster

Mark Freuder Knopfler OBE (born August 12, 1949, Glasgow, Scotland) is a British guitarist, singer, songwriter, and film score composer. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Glasgow (ˈglæzgoʊ is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Newcastle upon Tyne ( (often shortened to Newcastle) is a city and Metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, England England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. Celtic rock is a genre of Folk rock which incorporates Celtic music, instrumentation and themes Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. The Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of Music based on the use of the Blue notes It emerged as an accessible form of self-expression A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making Music. An electric guitar is a type of Guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its steel-cored strings into an electrical current which is made louder See also Acoustic Guitar (magazine An acoustic guitar is a Guitar that uses only acoustic methods to project the sound produced by its strings Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with Speech. In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Vertigo Records was the name Philips Records chose in the sixties for its Record label to counter the progressive labels of its rivals EMI (with Mercury Records is a Record label operating as a standalone company in the UK and as part of the Island Def Jam Music Group in the US and are both subsidiaries of Warner Music Group (WMG is the third-largest of the "big four" major record labels, the others being Sony BMG, EMI, and Universal Dire Straits was a British rock band, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals his brother David Knopfler (guitar The Notting Hillbillies was a country project formed by Dire Straits ’ singer / guitarist Mark Knopfler with Brendan Croker, Steve The Mark Knopfler Fender Stratocaster has a 1957 ash body a 1962 C-shape maple neck with a rosewood The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British Order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Glasgow (ˈglæzgoʊ is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located A guitarist is a Musician who plays the Guitar. Guitarists may perform solo pieces or play with ensembles and bands of a wide variety of genres A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both A film score is a broad term referring to the music in a film which is generally categorically separated from songs used within a film

Knopfler was originally best-known as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the English rock band, Dire Straits, which he co-founded in 1977 with his brother David. Lead guitar refers to the use of a Guitar to perform Melody lines instrumental fill passages, and Guitar solos within a song structure Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. Dire Straits was a British rock band, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals his brother David Knopfler (guitar David Knopfler (born December 27 1952 in Glasgow) is a British guitarist pianist drummer singer and songwriter who was born in Following the dissolution of Dire Straits in 1995, Knopfler has continued to record and produce albums as a solo artist, under his own name. Occasionally, Knopfler has played in other groups, such as the The Notting Hillbillies; as well, he has guested on works by other artists, including Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry, Eric Clapton, John Fogerty, Jools Holland, Steely Dan, Emmylou Harris and Chet Atkins. The Notting Hillbillies was a country project formed by Dire Straits ’ singer / guitarist Mark Knopfler with Brendan Croker, Steve Bob Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman, May 24 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota) is an American singer-songwriter author poet and painter who has been a major Bryan Ferry (born 26 September 1945 in Washington, Sunderland) is an English Singer, Musician, Songwriter and occasional Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945 is an English Blues-rock Guitarist, singer Songwriter and Composer John Cameron Fogerty (born May 28, 1945) is an American rock singer Songwriter, and Guitarist, best known for his Julian Miles "Jools" Holland OBE, DL (born 24 January 1958) is an English Pianist, Bandleader Steely Dan is a American rock band centered on core members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. Emmylou Harris (born April 2 1947) is an American country, folk, alternative rock, and Alternative country Chester Burton "Chet" Atkins ( June 20, 1924 &ndash June 30, 2001) was an influential Guitarist and Record producer He has produced albums for artists such as Tina Turner, Randy Newman and Bob Dylan. Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939) is an eight time Grammy Award -winning American Randall Stuart “Randy” Newman (born November 28 1943 is an Academy Award –winning American Singer/songwriter, arranger, Composer Bob Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman, May 24 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota) is an American singer-songwriter author poet and painter who has been a major In addition, he has scored the music to several films, including Local Hero, Cal, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Wag the Dog, and Rob Reiner's classic, The Princess Bride. Local Hero is a Scottish Film starring Peter Riegert, Denis Lawson, Peter Capaldi and Burt Lancaster. Cal is a 1984 film based on the novela Cal written by Bernard MacLaverty who also wrote the script Last Exit to Brooklyn is a 1964 Novel by American author Hubert Selby Jr Wag the Dog is a 1997 Film starring Robert De Niro, about a Washington spin doctor who distracts the electorate from a Robert "Rob" Reiner (born March 6, 1947) is an American Actor, director, producer, Writer, and The Princess Bride is a 1987 film based on the 1973 novel of the same name by William Goldman, combining Comedy, [2]

He is one of the most respected fingerstyle guitarists of the modern rock era. Fingerstyle guitar is the technique of playing the Guitar by plucking the strings directly with the fingertips fingernails or picks attached to fingers as opposed to Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. Knopfler was ranked #27 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". Rolling Stone is a United States -based Magazine devoted to Music, Politics, and Popular culture that is published [3]

Contents

Biography

Early days

Mark Knopfler was born to an English mother and Hungarian Jewish father, who was an architect whose communist sympathies forced him to flee the fascist regime of his native Hungary. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland An architect is a licensed individual who leads a design team in the Planning and Design of buildings and participates in oversight of Building Construction Communism is a Socioeconomic structure that promotes the establishment of an egalitarian, classless, stateless Society based Fascism is a totalitarian nationalist and corporatist ideology Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic The family first moved to Scotland, but then settled in Knopfler's mother's home town of Newcastle upon Tyne in the north-east of England when he was nine years old. Newcastle upon Tyne ( (often shortened to Newcastle) is a city and Metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, England England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland There, he and his younger brother David (also a musician) attended Gosforth Grammar School, where he was inspired by his uncle Kingsley's harmonica and boogie-woogie piano playing. David Knopfler (born December 27 1952 in Glasgow) is a British guitarist pianist drummer singer and songwriter who was born in Gosforth High School is an English Secondary school and sixth form college in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne and is a specialist Language A harmonica is a free reed Wind instrument which is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes (reed chambers or Boogie-woogie is a style of Piano -based Blues that became very popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s but originated much earlier and was extended from piano Later, in his teens, he wanted to buy an expensive flamingo-pink Fender Stratocaster just like Hank Marvin's, but had to settle for a £50 twin pickup Höfner Super Solid. The Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as the Strat, is a model of Electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton and Freddie Tavares Brian Robson Rankin (born 28 October 1941) Newcastle upon Tyne, known by the Stage name Hank B A pickup device acts as a Transducer that captures mechanical vibrations (usually from suitably equipped Stringed instruments such as the Electric guitar Karl Höfner GmbH & Co KG is a German Manufacturer of Musical instruments with one division that manufactures Guitars and basses, and another [4] Like many other schoolboys of the 1960s, he served an early apprenticeship by forming and joining anonymous schoolboy bands and listening to singers like Elvis Presley and guitarists Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Django Reinhardt and James Burton. Chester Burton "Chet" Atkins ( June 20, 1924 &ndash June 30, 2001) was an influential Guitarist and Record producer Winfield Scott "Scotty" Moore III (born December 27, 1931 near Gadsden Tennessee) is a legendary American Guitarist and James Marshall Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix) (November 27 1942 – September 18 1970 was an American Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter Jean "Django" Reinhardt ( January 23, 1910 – May 16, 1953) was a Belgian Gypsy jazz Guitarist James Burton (born August 21, 1939, in Minden Louisiana) is an American Guitarist. At sixteen he made a local TV appearance as half of a harmony duo along with a friend from school named Sue Hercombe. [4]

In 1967, having displayed a flair for English,[4] Knopfler studied journalism for a year at Harlow Technical College. Journalism is the profession of writing or communicating formally employed by publications and broadcasters for the benefit of a particular Community of people [5] At the end of the course he secured a job in Leeds as a junior reporter on the Yorkshire Evening Post. Leeds ( is located on the River Aire in West Yorkshire, England The Yorkshire Evening Post (often abbreviated to YEP) is a daily evening Publication published by Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd in [6] Two years later, he decided to further his studies and graduated with a degree in English at the University of Leeds. The University of Leeds is a major teaching and research University in Leeds, West Yorkshire; one of the largest in the United Kingdom with [7] He worked as a lecturer at Loughton College during this period. It was while Knopfler was living in Leeds that he married Kathy White, his long-time girlfriend from school days; however, the marriage didn't last. [4]

After separating from his wife, he moved to London and joined a High Wycombe-based band called Brewers Droop, appearing on the album "The Booze Brothers". See also High Wycombe Western Australia High Wycombe (hai ˈwɪk Brewers Droop is the name of a Southern English band (whose history can be followed in "Hundred Watts" by Ron Watts) in which Mark Knopfler played for the booze brothers, featuring Mark Knofler & Dave Edmunds, is the second album released by Brewers Droop, an English blues band One night while spending some time with friends, the only guitar available was an old acoustic with a badly warped neck that had been strung with extra-light strings to make it playable. Even so, he found it impossible to play unless he finger-picked it. He said in a later interview, "That was where I found my 'voice' on guitar. " Soon after he recorded a "demo" tape of an original (but unreleased) song; "Summer's Coming My Way", in a London studio. London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. [4]

The Dire Straits years

Main article: Dire Straits

Dire Straits' first sessions were done under the name of Dire Straits, with Knopfler's brother David writing and serving as front man on one of the five songs, with Pick Withers as drummer and John Illsley on bass guitar. Dire Straits was a British rock band, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals his brother David Knopfler (guitar Dire Straits was a British rock band, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals his brother David Knopfler (guitar David "Pick" Withers (born April 4, 1948 in Leicester, England) was the original drummer for the rock band Dire Straits John Illsley (born on 24 June, 1949, in Leicester, England) was the bass player for the English Rock band The electric bass guitar (also called electric bass, or simply bass; ˈbeɪs as in "base" is a Stringed instrument played primarily with the Knopfler often wore a headband during performances. [4]

Dire Straits recorded and released their first album, the self-titled Dire Straits in 1978 initially to little fanfare in the UK, but a single release, "Sultans of Swing" became a chart hit in Holland and album sales took off across Europe and then in the United States. Dire Straits is the self-titled debut Album by British rock band Dire Straits, released in 1978 (see 1978 in music The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located " Sultans of Swing " was the first single release of the British rock band Dire Straits. The second album, Communiqué produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett, followed in 1979, reaching number one in Germany while the first album was still at number three. Communiqué is the second Album by British Rock band Dire Straits. Gerald "Jerry" Wexler ( January 10 1917 &ndash August 15 2008) was a music journalist turned music producer and was regarded Barry Beckett (February 4 1943 in Birmingham, Alabama) is a Keyboardist who has worked as a Session musician with several notable artists on The band's third album, Making Movies, was released in 1980 and marked a move towards more complex arrangements and production which continued for the remainder of the group's career. Making Movies is the third Album by British rock band Dire Straits, released in 1980 Making Movies was his most personal album, with the song "Romeo and Juliet", about a failed love affair becoming what critics call his best loved song; with a trademark he developed keeping personal songs under fictitious names. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written early in the [2]

In 1982 Dire Straits released their fourth album, Love Over Gold. Love over Gold is the fourth Album by British rock band Dire Straits. which included "Telegraph Road," "Industrial Disease, and the #2 hit "Private Investigations". " Telegraph Road " is a song by the British Rock band Dire Straits and written by Mark Knopfler. " Industrial Disease " is a song by the British Rock band Dire Straits and written by Mark Knopfler. " Private Investigations " is a popular song by Dire Straits from their album Love over Gold. A world tour called Alchemy: Dire Straits Live followed in 1983. Alchemy Dire Straits Live is the first Live album by British rock band Dire Straits, released in 1984 (see 1984 in music A double-LP of the recordings of two live shows in Hammersmith Odeon in London was released in March 1984 and sold over 500,000 albums. Long play (LP record albums are 33⅓  Rpm vinyl Gramophone records (phonograph records generally either 10- or 12- Inches in diameter

At this time Mark Knopfler was also involved with other projects, including writing the music score for the film Local Hero, released in 1983. Local Hero is a Scottish Film starring Peter Riegert, Denis Lawson, Peter Capaldi and Burt Lancaster. The soundtrack album Local Hero was a large success, and it was followed in 1984 by his scores for the films Cal and Comfort and Joy. A soundtrack album is any Album that incorporates music directly recorded from the soundtrack of a particular Feature film. Local Hero is Mark Knopfler 's Soundtrack album for the 1983 film Local Hero, produced by David Putnam, written and directed Cal is a 1984 film based on the novela Cal written by Bernard MacLaverty who also wrote the script Comfort and Joy is a 1984 film directed by Bill Forsyth It starred Bill Paterson as a Glasgow radio DJ whose life undergoes a bizarre upheaval when his girlfriend

Knopfler married for the second time in November 1983, to Lourdes Salamone. Their twin sons, Benji and Joseph, were born in 1987.

Dire Straits' biggest studio album by far was their fifth, Brothers in Arms, released in 1985. Brothers in Arms is the fifth Studio album by British rock band Dire Straits, in 1985. It became an international hit and spawned several chart singles including the US number-one hit "Money for Nothing," which was the first video ever to be played on MTV in Britain. " Money for Nothing " is a song by British group Dire Straits, which first appeared on their 1985 album Brothers in Arms and subsequently MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. It was also the first compact disc to sell a million copies and is largely credited for launching the CD format. Other successful singles were "So Far Away", "Walk of Life", and the album's title track. " So Far Away " is a 1985 rock song by Dire Straits. It appears on the album Brothers in Arms. " Walk of Life " is a 1985 song by the British Rock band Dire Straits. " Brothers in Arms " is a 1985 song by Dire Straits, appearing as the last track on the album of the same name. The band's 1985–86 world tour of over 230[4] shows was immensely successful.

After the Brothers in Arms tour Dire Straits went on a lengthy hiatus, with Knopfler concentrating mainly on film soundtracks. Knopfler joined the charity ensemble Ferry Aid on "Let It Be" in the wake of the Zeebrugge ferry disaster, which reached #1 on the UK singles chart in March 1987. A charity record (also known as a charity single) is a release of a song for a specific charitable cause. "Let It Be" is a song by The Beatles, released in March 1970 as a single and as the Title track of their album Let It Be. Construction In the late 1970s Townsend Thoresen decided to commission the design and construction of three new identical ships for their Dover – Calais route Additionally in 1987, over a meal at a Notting Hill wine bar,[4] Knopfler formed The Notting Hillbillies, a more country-focused band. Notting Hill is an area in West London, England close to the north-western corner of Hyde Park, and lying within the Royal Borough of Kensington and A bar (also called a Pub or Tavern) is a business that serves drinks especially Alcoholic beverages such as beer liquor and mixed drinks for consumption The Notting Hillbillies was a country project formed by Dire Straits ’ singer / guitarist Mark Knopfler with Brendan Croker, Steve Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. Knopfler further emphasized his country music influences with his 1990s collaboration with Chet Atkins, Neck and Neck. Chester Burton "Chet" Atkins ( June 20, 1924 &ndash June 30, 2001) was an influential Guitarist and Record producer Neck and Neck is a collaborative album by Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler.

In 1988 Dire Straits regrouped for the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium, in which they were the headline act and were accompanied by Elton John and Eric Clapton, who by this time had developed a strong friendship with Knopfler. The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was a global broadcast event staged on June 11, 1988 at the Wembley Stadium, London original Wembley Stadium was a football Stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945 is an English Blues-rock Guitarist, singer Songwriter and Composer 1990 saw the release of the Notting Hillbillies sole studio album, Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time. MissingPresumed Having a Good Time is the first and the only studio album by The Notting Hillbillies. The line-up of that group featured Guy Fletcher. After touring with the Notting Hillbillies, Knopfler reformed Dire Straits. The band toured with Slowhand and Elton John during the Knebworth charity show the same year. Slowhand is an album by Eric Clapton, released in 1977. It contained three of his most popular singles the bluesy "Cocaine" the ballad "Wonderful Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer Knebworth is a Village and Civil parish in the north of Hertfordshire, England immediately south of Stevenage.

1991 saw the recording of what turned out to be the group's final studio album. On Every Street, which was released in September of that year, was an eagerly awaited release. On Every Street is the sixth and final studio Album by British rock band Dire Straits, released in 1991 (see 1991 in music However it was nowhere near as popular as Brothers in Arms and met with a mixed critical reaction, with some reviewers regarding the album as an underwhelming follow up to its predecessor. Nonetheless it sold well and reached #1 in the UK. A gruelling world tour to accompany the album followed, which lasted until the end of 1992. This was to be Dire Straits's final world tour; it was as much successful as the previous Brothers In Arms tour but Mark Knopler was tired and fed up with such massive operations. This ultimately drove the band into the ground. [8]

Two live albums were released after On Every Street. Released in 1993, On The Night documented Dire Straits' final world tour. On the Night is the second live album by Dire Straits. It was released in 1993 after Alchemy which was released in 1984 and Live It was followed in 1995 by Live at the BBC, which was released as a contractual album for Vertigo Records just before Dire Straits' official disbanding. Live at the BBC is a live effort by Dire Straits, recorded in-between the release of their first album and Making Movies, their third effort Vertigo Records was the name Philips Records chose in the sixties for its Record label to counter the progressive labels of its rivals EMI (with

There were frequent personnel changes within Dire Straits over the years, but Mark Knopfler was always the driving force behind the group. Knopfler's marriage to Lourdes Salamone ended in 1993. [9] In 1995 he quietly laid Dire Straits to rest and launched his solo career. Keyboardist Guy Fletcher has been associated with almost every piece of Knopfler's solo material following Dire Straits' dissolution. Guy Fletcher (born May 24, 1960 in Maidstone, Kent, England) Fletcher is a Multi-instrumentalist, best known for his Danny Cummings, the percussionist, also makes frequent appearances, including one on Knopfler's latest solo album. Danny Cummings is a Percussionist and Drummer from Sheffield. [10]

Solo career

In 1996, the year after Dire Straits disbanded, Knopfler released his first solo album, Golden Heart. Golden Heart is an Album by Mark Knopfler (former front man of Dire Straits) released in 1996 Formed during the Golden Heart sessions, the main line-up of his solo band, also known as "The 96'ers," has lasted much longer than any Dire Straits line-up.

Knopfler's third marriage to actress Kitty Aldridge[11] has given him two daughters Isabella (born 1998) and Katya Ruby Rose (born 2003). Kitty Aldridge (born Bahrain in 1962 is a British actress and writer Biography After training as an actress in London, she worked since in film [12] The family currently lives in Chelsea. Chelsea is an area of south-west London, England, bounded to the south by the River Thames, where its frontage runs from Chelsea Bridge along

In 1997 Knopfler recorded the soundtrack for the movie Wag the Dog. Wag the Dog is a 1997 Film starring Robert De Niro, about a Washington spin doctor who distracts the electorate from a During that same year Rolling Stone magazine listed "Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll", which included "Sultans of Swing," Dire Straits' first hit. Rolling Stone is a United States -based Magazine devoted to Music, Politics, and Popular culture that is published 2000 saw the release of Knopfler's next solo album, Sailing to Philadelphia. Sailing to Philadelphia is an Album by Mark Knopfler released in 2000

In 2002 Mark Knopfler gave four charity concerts with former Dire Straits members John Illsley, Chris White, Danny Cummings and Guy Fletcher, playing old material from the Dire Straits years and also The Notting Hillbillies. John Illsley (born on 24 June, 1949, in Leicester, England) was the bass player for the English Rock band Chris White ( July 13, 1955) is a British Jazz / rock Saxophonist who toured with Dire Straits from 1985-1995 and who has Danny Cummings is a Percussionist and Drummer from Sheffield. Guy Fletcher (born May 24, 1960 in Maidstone, Kent, England) Fletcher is a Multi-instrumentalist, best known for his

Also in 2002 Knopfler released his third solo album, The Ragpicker's Dream. The Ragpicker's Dream is Mark Knopfler's third solo album (after Golden Heart and Sailing to Philadelphia) released A keen motorcyclist, Knopfler was involved in a motorbike crash in Grosvenor Road, Belgravia, in March 2003. Belgravia is a district of central London in the City of Westminster, situated to the south-west of Buckingham Palace. He suffered a broken collarbone, broken shoulder blade and seven broken ribs. [13] The planned Ragpicker's Dream tour was subsequently cancelled, but Knopfler recovered and was able to return to the stage in 2004 for his fourth album, Shangri-La. Shangri-La is the fourth solo album by Mark Knopfler, released in 2004

Shangri-La was recorded at the Shangri-La Studio in Malibu, California in 2004, where The Band made recordings years before for their documentary/movie, The Last Waltz. Malibu is an incorporated city in western Los Angeles County, California, United States. The Band was a rock group active from 1967 to 1976 and again from 1983 to 1999 The Last Waltz was a concert by the Canadian-American rock group The Band, held on Thanksgiving Day, November 25 1976 at Winterland Ballroom In the promo for "Shangri-La" on his official website he said that his current line-up of Glenn Worf (bass), Guy Fletcher (keyboards), Chad Cromwell (drums), Richard Bennett (guitar) and Matt Rollings (piano) "play Dire Straits songs better than Dire Straits did. The electric bass guitar (also called electric bass, or simply bass; ˈbeɪs as in "base" is a Stringed instrument played primarily with the Guy Fletcher (born May 24, 1960 in Maidstone, Kent, England) Fletcher is a Multi-instrumentalist, best known for his A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a Musical keyboard. A drum kit (also drum set or trap set) is a collection of Drums Cymbals and sometimes other Percussion instruments such as cowbells Richard Bennett is a noted touring Sideman, session veteran and Record producer. The guitar is a Musical instrument with ancient roots that is used in a wide variety of musical styles Matt Rollings is an American musician and record producer He plays Piano, organ, and keyboards. The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers " The "Shangri-La" tour took Mark to countries like India and the United Arab Emirates for the first time. In India, his concerts at Bombay and Bangalore were very well received, with over 20,000 fans gathering at each concert to listen to a legend many thought would never visit their country. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

In November 2005 a third compilation, The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler: Private Investigations was released, consisting of material from most of Dire Straits' studio albums and Knopfler's solo and soundtrack material. Private Investigations The Best of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler is a 2005 best of album. The album was made available in two editions: a single CD (with a grey cover) and also as double CD (with the cover in blue), and was well-received. The only previously unreleased track on the album is All The Roadrunning, a duet with with country music singer Emmylou Harris, which was followed in 2006 by an album of duets of the same name. Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. Emmylou Harris (born April 2 1947) is an American country, folk, alternative rock, and Alternative country

Mark Knopfler in 2005
Mark Knopfler in 2005

Released in April 2006, All the Roadrunning reached #1 in Denmark and Switzerland, #2 in Norway and Sweden, #3 in Germany, Holland and Italy, #8 in Austria and UK, #9 in Spain, #17 in the United States (Billboard Top 200 Chart), #25 in Ireland and #41 in Australia. All the Roadrunning is a collaborative album by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry All The Roadrunning was nominated for "Best Folk Rock/Americana Album" at the 49th Grammy Awards (February 11, 2007) but lost out to Bob Dylan's nomination for Modern Times. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards is a ceremony honoring the best in music for the recording year beginning September 15, 2005 and ending September 14, Events 660 BC - Traditional founding date of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Modern Times is Bob Dylan 's 32nd Studio album, released on August 29, 2006 by Sony BMG.

Joined by Emmylou Harris, Knopfler supported All the Roadrunning with a successful world tour. All the Roadrunning is a collaborative album by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. Selections from the duo's June performance at the Gibson Ampitheatre were released as a CD/DVD package entitled Real Live Roadrunning on November 14, 2006. Real Live Roadrunning is a live album by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. Events 1533 - Conquistadors from Spain under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro arrive in Cajamarca, Inca Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. In addition to several of the compositions that Harris and Knopfler recorded together in the studio, Real Live Roadrunning features solo hits from both members of the duo, as well as three tracks from Knopfler's days with Dire Straits.

A charity event in 2007 went wrong. A Fender Stratocaster guitar signed by Knopfler, Clapton, Brian May, and Jimmy Page was to be auctioned for £20,000 (or $40,000) to raise the money for a children's hospice, was lost in the shipping of the instrument. Brian Harold May, CBE James Patrick Page, OBE (born 9 January 1944 is an English Guitarist, Composer and record producer It "vanished after being posted from London to Leicestershire, England. " Parcelforce, the company responsible has agreed to pay $30,000 for its loss. [14]

Knopfler released his fifth solo studio-album Kill to Get Crimson on September 14, 2007 in Germany, September 17 in the UK and September 18 in the United States. Kill To Get Crimson is the fifth solo album by Mark Knopfler, released 17 September 2007 Events 81 - Domitian becomes Emperor of the Roman Empire upon the death of his brother Titus. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1176 - The Battle of Myriokephalon is fought 1462 - The Battle of Świecino (or Battle of Żarnowiec Events 96 - Nerva is proclaimed Roman Emperor after Domitian is assassinated Besides the standard CD edition, a special "Deluxe Edition" with an extra DVD was also released.

Knopfler is in the midst of a world tour to support the album, starting in Europe before moving on to North America.

Musical style

Mark Knopfler is noted for being left-handed, but playing right-handed, and for fingerpicking (using a personal variant of the clawhammer) style instead of using a plectrum (i. Fingerstyle guitar is the technique of playing the Guitar by plucking the strings directly with the fingertips fingernails or picks attached to fingers as opposed to Clawhammer and frailing describe a class of Fingerpicking techniques used by Banjo and rarely Guitar players Often called a pick or plec, a plectrum is a small flat tool used to pluck or strum a stringed instrument. e. , "pick"); fingerpicking is usually associated with the acoustic guitar, but Knopfler usually (though not always) plays an electric guitar. A steel-string acoustic guitar, is a modern form of Guitar descended from the Classical guitar, but strung with steel strings for a brighter louder sound An electric guitar is a type of Guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its steel-cored strings into an electrical current which is made louder

Knopfler revealed during a French interview that he uses a pick for his rhythm work during recording sessions. Knopfler surprised the interviewer by pulling a pick out of his pocket and saying that he usually carries one.

He has around 70 guitars,[15] including:

His Artist Series Stratocaster can be viewed on the Fender website. The Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as the Strat, is a model of Electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton and Freddie Tavares

Live performance

Awards and acclaim

Knopfler's influence

Discography

With Dire Straits

Main article: Dire Straits

Solo albums

Golden Heart

Sailing to Philadelphia

The Ragpicker's Dream

Shangri-La

One Take Radio Sessions

The Trawlerman's Song EP

The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler: Private Investigations

Kill to Get Crimson

Soundtrack albums

Local Hero

Music from 'Cal'

Comfort and Joy

The Princess Bride

Last Exit to Brooklyn

Screenplaying

Metroland

Wag the Dog

A Shot at Glory

Other albums

Producer

References

  1. ^ Biography for Mark Knopfler
  2. ^ a b (accessed 4 March, 2008) The Biography Channel: Mark Knopfler
  3. ^ 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Kilburn, T. (2006) Mark Knopfler Authorized Biography Retrieved on April 2, 2007
  5. ^ The Journalism Centre Retrieved on April 2, 2007
  6. ^ Chaos on the Sheepscar Interchange Retrieved on April 2, 2007. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  7. ^ Who's been here Retrieved on April 2, 2007
  8. ^ Dire Straits lyrics, music, biography, records, band, album, videos, CD, and the discography including Dire Straits famous works
  9. ^ Dire Straits lyrics, music, biography, records, band, album, videos, CD, and the discography including Dire Straits famous works
  10. ^ 2007 Recording Diary - Week 1 - January 2007 Retrieved on April 2, 2007. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  11. ^ Wright, M. (1997) The Mirror, London, England. Available from: MARK TIES THE KNOT-FLER AGAIN; TV Kitty is wife No 3 in paradise wedding.(Features) Retrieved on May 15, 2007. Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  12. ^ (2003), Sunday Mail (QLD). Knopfler a dad Retrieved on May 15, 2007. Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  13. ^ Davies, H. "Rock star hurt in motorcycle crash", The Telegraph, March 19, 2003
  14. ^ PR Inside. Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. com (accessed 6 March, 2008) LEGENDS’ GUITAR LOST IN POST
  15. ^ Goodman, D. (2000) With Dire Straits no more, Knopfler sails solo, Reuters. Available from: MK INTERVIEW 2000 Retrieved on May 14, 2007. Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  16. ^ Mark Knopfler's Interview - Track by Track Guide Golden Heart - Mark Knopfler Retrieved May 12, 2007. Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  17. ^ Bacon, T. (2002) Mark Knopfler: On '58 Les Paul and hearing 'voicings' Retrieved May 15, 2007. Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  18. ^ PENSA CUSTOM GUITARS: History Retrieved May 14, 2007. Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  19. ^ Guy Fletcher 2005 tour diary [1]
  20. ^ Knopfler opens students' studios Retrieved on April 3, 2007. Events 1043 - Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  21. ^ (1999) BBC News | NEW YEARS HONOURS | OBE civil (K - Z) Retrieved on May 14, 2007. Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  22. ^ Sunderland honours leaders in their fields, Sunderland University
  23. ^ Adams, D. (1984) So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, London. ISBN 0-330-28700-1
  24. ^ (2001) Palaeontologists in dire straits name dinosaur for the Sultan of Swing
  25. ^ Whetstone, D. (2006) City welcomes local hero. Available from: guyfletcher.co.uk - projects - news
  26. ^ Commentary Excerpt: Rob Reiner on MGM's new Princess Bride: SE Retrieved May 12, 2007. Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  27. ^ Commentary Excerpt: Sultan's Speak, Sachin Tendulkar interview on Star Sports Retrieved May 12, 2007. Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  28. ^ Bob Dylan: Behind the Shades Clinton Heylin, Summit Books (1991) ISBN 0-671-73894

External links



Persondata
NAME Knopfler, Mark
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION English guitarist
DATE OF BIRTH August 12, 1949
PLACE OF BIRTH Glasgow, Scotland
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH
Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Glasgow (ˈglæzgoʊ is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain.
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