"Sultans of Swing" was the first single release of the British rock band Dire Straits. It entered the American music pop charts in 1979. With its relatively plain melody and vocals, the song was a marked change from the waning disco style and the nascent punk movement. The song's story was that of the diverse members of a working-class jazz group trying to become popular in the clubs of London. The production of Sultans of Swing was arranged with two guitars, a bass, and a shuffle beat on drums. Most of the instruments as well as the vocals were performed by Mark Knopfler, the mastermind of the band.
Overall, the song became rather successful, especially in its extended version. The band, however, eventually moved away from the straightforward style of "Sultans". Knopfler turned to writing movie soundtracks.
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