Music · Living
Born: 12 August 1949 · Age: 77
Mark Knopfler is 77 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 12 August 1949.
Scottish-born guitarist and songwriter who led Dire Straits to fame with Sultans of Swing and the album Brothers in Arms
Did you know?Before finding fame in music, he worked as a junior reporter for a regional newspaper based in Leeds.
Mark Knopfler is one of rock's most distinctive guitarists. He was born in Glasgow and grew up near Newcastle. He worked as a journalist and teacher before forming Dire Straits in 1977. Their first single, Sultans of Swing, showed off his fingerpicked style. Brothers in Arms became one of the best-selling albums ever. Money for Nothing won a Grammy. He later wrote film scores, including The Princess Bride and Local Hero. He has released many solo albums rooted in folk and roots music.
Mark Freuder Knopfler (born 12 August 1949) is a British musician. He was the lead guitarist, singer and songwriter of the rock band Dire Straits from 1977 to 1995, and he is one of the two members who stayed throughout the band's existence, along with the bassist John Illsley.
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Profile
British guitarist and songwriter, born 1949
Mark Knopfler was born in Glasgow on 12 August 1949.
He founded Dire Straits in 1977.
He wrote Sultans of Swing.
Brothers in Arms became one of the best-selling albums ever.
Career highlights
Did you know?He plays guitar with his fingers rather than a pick.
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Last reviewed: October 2026