Mark Knopfler of the most well-known British guitarists of the 1970s, rose to prominence as the co-founder, lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter of the rock band ‘Dire Straits.’ Even without his association with the band, Knopfler has established himself as a legend in his own right by releasing eight notable solo albums and producing soundtracks for films such as Cal (1984) and The Princess Bride (1987).
Quick Facts
| Celebrated Name: | Mark Knopfler |
|---|---|
| Real Name/Full Name: | Mark Freuder Knopfler |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 75 years old |
| Birth Date: | 12 August 1949 |
| Birth Place: | Glasgow |
| Nationality: | British |
| Height: | 1.83 m |
| Weight: | 85 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Kitty Aldridge (m. 1997), Lourdes Salomone (m. 1983–1993) |
| Children: | Yes (Benji Knopfler, Joseph Knopfler, Isabella Knopfler, Katya Ruby Rose Knopfler) |
| Profession: | Songwriter, guitarist, and record producer |
| Net Worth in 2024: | $115 million |
Mark Knopfler Biography
Mark Freuder Knopfler was born on August 12, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, to an English mother, Louisa Mary, and a Hungarian émigré father, Erwin Knopfler. His family later relocated to Blyth, North East England, where he and his brother, David, attended Gosforth Grammar School.
Mark developed an intense passion for music when he was about eight years old, inspired by his Uncle Kingsley playing boogie-woogie on the piano. While studying English at the University of Leeds, he and Steve Philips began performing under the name ‘Duolian String Pickers,’ during which time he developed his signature fingerpicking style.
Mark Knopfler Age, Height, Weight
Mark Knopfler was born on August 12, 1949, and will be 75 years old as of 2024. His height is 1.83 meters and his weight is 85 kilograms.
Career
Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers formed the internationally acclaimed rock band Dire Straits in 1977. “Sultans of Swing,” their first hit single, reached the Top 10 in the UK and US charts in 1978, and their most commercially successful album, “Brothers in Arms,” has sold over 30 million copies to date.
Mark’s solo career flourished after Dire Straits disbanded in 1995. He composed the music for the films Wag the Dog (1997), Local Hero (1963), and Altamira (1963). (2013). “Sailing to Philadelphia,” his most successful album, was released in 2000. His other albums include “Shangri-La” and “Kill to getting Crimson,” which have all helped to raise his international profile.
Knopfler has also made contributions to country music through his band Notting Hillbillies and collaborations with Chet Atkins, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris, which resulted in successful albums such as “Neck and Neck,” “Bradley Barn Sessions,” and “All the Roadrunning.”
Mark Knopfler Achievements And Awards
In 2018, Knopfler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits. He has received four Grammy nominations and has won four of them, the most recent being in 2006 for Best Surround Sound Album for “Brothers in Arms.” He received the Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 for “Money for Nothing.” In 1999, Mark was also awarded an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
Mark Knopfler’s Net Worth in 2024
Mark Knopfler’s net worth is estimated to be $115 million as of February 2024. This enormous success and fame attest to his deft picking technique, which reserved a space for traditionalism at a time when the concept of metal and rock music in guitar solo was taking an ear-piercing turn.
Mark Knopfler has made an indelible mark on rock and country music, receiving widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.
