I would say Knopfler is influenced by Tony.

JJ Cale is another underappreciated musician. Most don't know he wrote Cocaine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHs5XVrVKTM&feature=related

Then again, he was influenced by guys I've never heard of.

__________________
'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder