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Mark Knopfler: A Modest Guitar Hero

Mark Knopfler.
Mark Knopfler.

In Mark Knopfler's own words, "Music's just a very humbling experience all around." But it's hard to deny the former Dire Straits frontman's status as a bona fide guitar hero: He played some of the definitive riffs and solos of the '80s, and he's been releasing widely beloved albums ever since. With his graceful guitar work, genial baritone and ability to create distinct characters in his songs, Knopfler has been an iconic figure in popular music for more than three decades.

From Dire Straits' first hit "Sultans Of Swing" to blockbuster albums like 1985's Brothers In Arms to his recent collaborations with Emmylou Harris, Knopfler has remained highly relevant. He's worked with a diverse group of artists, including Harris, Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner and Eric Clapton. And he's carved out a parallel career as a film composer, having written and performed soundtracks for movies such as Local Hero, The Princess Bride and Wag The Dog.

This segment originally aired Oct. 5, 2007.

Copyright 2007 XPN

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David Dye is a longtime Philadelphia radio personality whose music enthusiasm has captivated listeners of World Cafe® since 1991. World Cafe is produced by WXPN, the public radio service of the University of Pennsylvania.