Rocky: Original Motion Picture Score is a soundtrack album for the 1976 American film Rocky, composed by Bill Conti. It was released on vinyl in the United States on November 12, 1976, by United Artists Records, followed by a CD release by EMI Records on November 7, 1988. The soundtrack is notable for its inclusion of "Gonna Fly Now", the theme song from Rocky.
Overview Although the Conti version of "Gonna Fly Now" is the most recognizable arrangement, a cover of the song performed by legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson on his Conquistador album prior to the release of the motion picture soundtrack actually outsold the soundtrack itself.Liner notes of the Conquistador album The version of Conti's "Gonna Fly Now" released on later records and CDs differs from the version used in the film, with the vocals and guitars much more emphasized in the film than on the versions released. The audio of the version played in the movie has yet to be officially released. Parts of the song contain phases of the German fanfare march .
Track listing All music by Bill Conti. "Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)" (vocals: DeEtta Little/Nelson Pigford) – 2:48 "Philadelphia Morning" – 2:22 "Going the Distance" – 2:40 "Reflections" – 3:19 "Marines' Hymn/Yankee Doodle" (Jacques Offenbach/Thomas Holcomb/Traditional, arranged by Conti) – 1:45 "Take You Back (Street Corner Song from Rocky)" (vocals: Valentine; written by F. Stallone, Jr.) – 1:49 "First Date" – 1:54 "You Take My Heart Away" (vocals: DeEtta Little/Nelson Pigford) – 4:46 "Fanfare for Rocky" – 2:34 "Butkus" – 2:12 "Alone in the Ring" – 1:09 "The Final Bell" – 1:56 "Rocky's Reward" – 2:03
Personnel
Composer, conductor, orchestrator, producer - Bill Conti Recording engineer - Ami Hadani
Performers (uncredited):
The Hollywood Studio Symphony Trumpet - Malcolm McNab, Tony Terran, Graham Young, Maurice Harris, Robert DiVall, Uan Rasey Horn - Vincent DeRosa, Richard Perissi, Arthur Maebe, Gale Robinson Trombone - Dick Nash, Lloyd Ulyate Bass trombone - George Roberts Tuba - Tommy Johnson
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1977) Peakposition Australia (Kent Music Report) 38 US Billboard 200Rocky (Original Motion Picture Score) - Bill Conti - Awards. AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Accessed on August 9, 2013. 4 US Top R&B Albums (Billboard) 32
Year-end charts Chart (1977) Position US Billboard 200 37
Certifications
Additional music Additional music featured in Rocky:
TitleMusician(s)Key scenes/Notes "Summer Madness" Kool & the Gang Plays when Rocky returns to his home after his match against Spider Rico.
References