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When Rocky Balboa ran up the 72 steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, he was accompanied by the iconic theme that the American Film Institute placed at #58 on its “100 Songs, 100 Years” list. Only 30 words were sung, but that was enough for this “Great Song of the '70s” to be nominated for the “Best Original Song” Oscar!
“Gonna Fly Now” was written and performed by Bill Conti...and in 1977, his version went to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, and #8 on Canada's Top 40. But to show you just how popular the song was, two OTHER versions were on the charts at the SAME TIME!
Jazz Trumpeter Maynard Ferguson's version reached #28 on the Hot 100, and Rhythm Heritage cracked the Adult Contemporary Top 50 at #49.
All these years later, the song is still played at sporting events...and almost everyone who hears it can feel the same adrenalinthat Rocky felt on those steps in Philly.
And THAT's what makes “Gonna Fly Now” a “Great Song of the '70s!
Bill Conti:
Maynard Ferguson:
Rhythm Heritage:
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