People in England got their first chance to purchase a Dire Straits recording 45 years ago this Friday, May 19th, 1978, when they released their first single, and signature song, "Sultans of Swing."
It was written by lead singer and guitarist Mark Knopfler, who was inspired by a nearly empty jazz show he attended with his brother and bandmate, David Knopfler.
While physically not available for purchase, the song had been getting airplay since the year before in England.
This led to a recording contract with Phonogram Records and they re-recorded the song in February 1978 for their self-titled debut album, which was was produced by Muff Winwood, the older brother of Steve Winwood.
"Sultans of Swing" didn't see its U.S. release until January 1979. It went to number-four on the Billboard Hot 100.