“Gonna Fly Now" is the stirring theme song from the movie “Rocky,” released in February 1977 and played by every high school band since. It became part of American culture as Rocky Balboa completes daily training while the song plays, then builds with his famous run up the "Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where he raises his arms in victory. In “Rocky II,” an alternate version is sung by children and Rocky III features a disco version. It also shows up in Rocky IV and in Rocky Balboa – with more trumpets. It remains an inspiring classic – the theme for the underdog attempting the impossible.

-R. Kerby