Mark Knopfler

Although his much-heralded band, Dire Straits, didn't officially disintegrate until the 1990s, lead guitarist Mark Knopfler had enjoyed an impressively prolific solo career since he was recruited to score the 1983 film LOCAL HERO. The soundtrack's sparse and poignant melodies impressed filmgoers and directors, and opened up an alternate career for the rocker. He went on to write acclaimed scores for several films, as well as making notable appearances on albums by Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, and Tina Turner among many others. As a solo artist, Knopfler occasionally goes back to his singer-songwriter roots and releases the odd album, to the great pleasure of his many fans. In 2006, he released ALL THE ROADRUNNING, a lovely duet album with singer Emmylou Harris.

• rock