Sultans of Swing

About Sultans of Swing

"Sultans of Swing" is a song by British rock band Dire Straits from their eponymous debut album, written by frontman Mark Knopfler. Released in 1978, its 1979 rerelease made it a hit in the United Kingdom and United States. The demo of the song was recorded at Pathway Studios, North London, in July 1977 and quickly acquired a following after it was put on rotation at Radio London. Its popularity soon reached record executives, and Dire Straits were offered a contract with Phonogram Records. The song was then re-recorded in February 1978 at Basing Street Studios for the band's debut album. The record company wanted a less-polished rock sound for the radio, so an alternative version was recorded at Pathway Studios in April 1978 and released as the single in some countries including the United Kingdom and Germany. more »