30 years ago today (3/25/96), Mark Knopfler released his debut solo album Golden Heart. Unlike the anthemic radio hits of Dire Straits, Knopfler knit in a strong Celtic and folk influence running throughout—fiddles, whistles, and acoustic textures replacing the glossy production of the ’80s. Later solo albums like Sailing to Philadelphia would return with more accessible rockers, yet Golden Heart remains a dignified debut from one of music’s most recognizable voices and guitarists. Listen to Knopfler perform much of Golden Heart live in 1996….
