The fact that Mark Knopfler transitioned so easily from Dire Straits frontman to critically revered troubadour and virtuoso picker speaks to his versatile talents and determination. Rock 'n' roll remains his native tongue, yet his solo records showcase a personal dialect increasingly rooted in country and western, blues and British folk sounds. But that's not all. He also has composed soundtracks for a string of cool flicks, like the 1983 cult classic Local Hero. You can file Knopfler next to Ry Cooder, T Bone Burnett and any other musician who can do it all.