(Born Aug. 12, 1949) Mark Knopfler is a British guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is best-known as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the band Dire Straits, but has also made albums as a solo performer and played in other bands. He has also performed on work by other artists, such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and the late Chet Atkins, and produced albums for artists such as Tina Turner, Randy Newman, and (again) Bob Dylan.