Mark Knopfler, of Dire Straits fame, and Nashville seem to have a reciprocal relationship. As a child, Mark idolized the late guitar genius Chet Akins (one of Nashville’s most prolific musicians and producers), and in the mid-1980s they even became friends and recording partners. Their “Neck and Neck” album was a quiet hit on the country music charts and they remained together until Atkins died in June 2001.
Through this friendship grew many others. Award-winning pedal steel guitarist Paul Franklin and country superstar Vince Gill recorded Dire Straits’ last CD with Knopfler, 1991’s “On Every Street,” and Franklin toured with the band during that last concert tour in 1991 and 1992.
From there, Knopfler began his solo career in 1996, performing with such Nashville session musicians as guitarist Richard Bennett (perhaps best known for co-writing Neil Diamond’s hit “Forever in Blue Jeans”), bassist Glenn Worf, pianist Jim Cox and drummer Chad Cromwell. These men became the core of the 96ers, Knopfler’s recording and touring band, and helped record Knopfler’s four albums: “Golden Heart,” “Sailing to Philadelphia,” “The Ragpicker’s Dream” and “Shangri- The”. Matt Rollins, former keyboardist for Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, joined Knopfler on tour in 2005.
In 2006, Knopfler released a long-awaited album of duets with famed country artist Emmylou Harris called “All the Roadrunning.” Recorded over a period of seven years, the tracks include two written by Harris and the rest by Knopfler. A tour followed in May and June 2006 which included many of the musicians mentioned above, as well as Stuart Duncan, known on Music Row for his incredible violin playing skills.
Several of Knopfler’s songs have been covered by country artists. John Anderson’s version of the never-recorded Dire Straits tune “I Think I Love You Too Much” is just one example. Randy Travis’ “Are We In Trouble Now” from Knopfler’s “Golden Heart” album is another. Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “The Bug”, The Judds’ “Water of Love” and Highway 101’s “Setting Me Up” were all written by Knopfler and originally recorded with Dire Straits. Johnny Cash was even known to have sung “The Next Time I’m Around,” the last track on Chet Atkins’ duet album, live in concert.
There are no signs that the love story between Mark Knopfler and Nashville is stopping anytime soon.