Mark Knopfler is a British musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead guitarist and frontman of the rock band Dire Straits. Born on August 12, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, he gained fame in the late 1970s with hits like "Sultans of Swing" and "Money for Nothing." His distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing and storytelling lyrics have made him a prominent figure in rock music. After Dire Straits disbanded in 1995, Knopfler pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with various artists. He is also known for composing film scores, including the music for movies like Local Hero and The Princess Bride. His contributions to music have earned him multiple awards and a dedicated fan base.