Dire Straits is known as the biggest British rock band of the '80s, and for good reason. Bursting onto the music scene in 1977, the group was founded by lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Knopfler, ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts. “Sultans of Swing” gives Dire Straits its first streaming hit in ...

In 1978, a song about a little-known pub band quietly transformed Dire Straits into international stars. "Sultans of Swing" became the band's breakthrough hit and eventually one of the defining rock ...