Here’s wishing a very Happy Birthday to founding Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, who turned 75 today (August 12). Knopfler was the lead singer, lead guitarist, songwriter, and driving creative force for the popular British band, which formed in 1977.
Since Dire Straits’ breakup in 1995, Knopfler has focused on a critically acclaimed solo career. He’s released 10 solo studio albums since 1996, as well as a few collaborative records. Mark also has composed the soundtracks to many films, dating back to Local Hero in 1983.
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[RELATED: On This Day: Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” Music Video Makes History]
In addition, Knopfler has lent his guitar talents to a variety of artists’ recordings as a session musician. He also has co-produced several albums, including Bob Dylan’s Infidels (1983) and Randy Newman’s Land of Dreams (1988).
Knopfler was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits in 2018. He chose not to attend or participate in the ceremony.
Watch Knopfler Shine on This 1983 “Sultans of Swing” Performance
Knopfler obviously is a gifted singer and songwriter, but perhaps his talent that shone most brightly was as a guitarist. His fluid and tasteful licks have permeated all the music he’s created.
These skills are on ample display on a performance of Dire Straits’ 1978 breakthrough hit “Sultans of Swing,” filmed during the band’s July 22-23, 1983, stand at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. The shows were recorded and filmed for the Alchemy: Dire Straits Live album and a companion concert video that both originally were released in 1984.
After breezing through most of the song, Knopfler and company extend the tune to an epic 10-plus minutes. The band runs through a series of dynamic tempo changes as Mark dips deeply into his catalog of riffs, building to a crescendo as he solos furiously. Drummer Terry Williams, who’d previously played in Rockpile with Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds, also delivers a standout performance.
About “Sultans of Swing”
“Sultans of Swing” was the lead single from Dire Straits’ 1978 self-titled debut album. The song became an immediate hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the U.K. singles chart. Knopfler was inspired to write the song after seeing a Dixieland jazz band perform at an almost-empty pub in London.
“Sultans of Swing” was Dire Straits’ most successful song in the U.S. until “Money for Nothing,” which topped the Hot 100 for three weeks in 1985.
Current News About Knopfler
Knopfler released his 10th and latest solo album, One Deep River, in April 2024. A deluxe edition of the album, featuring all 21 tracks from the One Deep River sessions, has just been made available via digital formats.
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