Sharp Notes Monday: ‘Sultans of Swing’

By Jandoli Institute on October 21, 2024 • ( 0 )

By Richard Lee

“Sultans of Swing” is the song that put Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits on the map. A map also is the reason why the 1978 recording in this week’s Sharp Notes Monday selection.

The Electoral College map shows how most states are likely to vote in the 2024 presidential election, but a few states still are up for grabs. Voters in those states, known as swing states, will determine who is the next president of the United States.

We will know the answer in about two weeks… possibly longer if votes still are being counted on Election Day.

Knopfler wrote “Sultans of Swing” after watching a Dixieland jazz band perform in a British pub, so swing states had nothing to do with his inspiration. But nearly 50 years later, the song remains popular and makes for timely listening material as the presidential election approaches.

Richard Lee, executive director of the Jandoli Institute, is a former music journalist who often writes about the intersection of music and current events.

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As part of our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media project, we share a song every Monday to start your week.

View previous Sharp Notes Monday selections.

Visit our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social justice page to learn more about the project and view videos of our presentations.