Sultans of Swing
| "Sultans of Swing" | ||||
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| Single by Dire Straits | ||||
| from the album Dire Straits | ||||
| B-side |
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| Released | 19 May 1978 (UK)
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| Recorded | February 1978 (album version) | |||
| Studio | Basing Street, London | |||
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| Length | 5:47 | |||
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| Songwriter(s) | Mark Knopfler | |||
| Producer(s) | Muff Winwood | |||
| Dire Straits singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio sample | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Sultans of Swing" on YouTube | ||||
"Sultans of Swing" is a song by the British rock band Dire Straits, written by the lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Knopfler. Dire Straits recorded a demo at Pathway Studios, North London, in July 1977, and it acquired a following after it was put in rotation on BBC Radio London. After Dire Straits signed a record contract with Phonogram Records, they rerecorded it in February 1978 at Basing Street Studios for their debut album, Dire Straits.
The B-side, "Eastbound Train", is a live track. "Sultans of Swing" reached the top five in Canada, South Africa, and the United States, and the top 10 in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and is one of Dire Straits' most recognisable songs.