Instrument: brass tentet (score and parts)
Grade: ensemble – difficult • 1st trumpet – conservatoire
Catalogue No: SB41
"Gonna Fly Now," or as it's also known "Theme from Rocky," is an iconic song from the film Rocky, composed by Bill Conti with lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins. Released in February 1977, the song became a popular part of American culture as the main character and boxer, Rocky, completed his daily training schedule. The song finishes as Rocky completes his famous run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and strikes a victory pose. Although the Conti version of "Gonna Fly Now" is the most recognisable arrangement, a cover version of the song performed by the legendary high note trumpet soloist Maynard Ferguson actually outsold the soundtrack itself. There were also disco versions by Rhythm Heritage and Current charting at the same time.
Rocky was directed by John G. Avildsen in 1976 and starred Sylvester Stallone, who also wrote the script. It tells the rags to riches story of Rocky Balboa. The film was made on a budget of just over $1 million and shot in under a month. It earned more than $220 million in global box office receipts and became the highest grossing film of that year. It also went on to win three Oscars, including Best Picture. Rocky turned Stallone into a major star and household name. The character of Apollo Creed (Stallone's opponent in the ring) was influenced by boxer Muhammad Ali who fought fellow Olympic Gold Medalist and World Heavyweight Champion boxer Joe "Smokin Joe" Frazier three thrilling times. Some of the film's most memorable training moments, such as Rocky's meat carcass punching ritual and his running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, are actually taken from the real-life exploits of Frazier, who appears in a cameo role in the film.
Edited by Roger Argente.
