Sultans of Swing

SULTANS OF SWING
 
 
“Sultans of Swing”  is a song by the British rock band Dire Straits from their eponymous debut album, which band frontman Mark Knopfler wrote and composed.  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.  Although it was first released in 1978, it was its 1979 re-release that caused it to become a hit in both the UK and U.S.  (More from Wikipedia)
 
 

Returning to the albums, Slow Train Coming and the albums that followed it are notable for the all-star assistance that Dylan received in putting them together.  Bob Dylan heard the Dire Straits hit single “Sultans of Swing” and contacted guitarist and lead vocalist Mark Knopfler about working on an album together. 

 

(August 2014)

 

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The next two drummers for the Primitives made a name for themselves in later years.  Dave Withers took Mick Charleton’s place in the band when they moved to Italy; according to Mal Ryder, he played on all of the early records that he made with the Primitives.  He had the nickname Pique or Pick by then; Withers returned to England in 1969.  In the late 1970’s, Pick Withers became the founding drummer with the British rock band Dire Straits, playing on their first four albums, including their #4 hit “Sultans of Swing”.  

 

(May 2015)