What is the name of the iconic theme song from the original Rocky?

The iconic theme song from the original Rocky is “Gonna Fly Now.”

Also known as “Theme from Rocky,” the song was composed by Bill Conti, with lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins. It accompanies the film’s famous training montage, in which Rocky Balboa runs through Philadelphia and finishes by raising his arms at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

The song was released as a single in 1977 after appearing in the 1976 film. Conti’s orchestral arrangement, especially its bright trumpet fanfare and driving rhythm, became one of cinema’s most recognizable musical signatures. The soundtrack version features vocals by DeEtta West and Nelson Pigford, while instrumental arrangements are also strongly associated with the film.

“Gonna Fly Now” is often confused with “Eye of the Tiger,” another famous boxing-movie song. “Eye of the Tiger,” performed by Survivor, was written for Rocky III, while “Burning Heart” appeared in Rocky IV. Conti’s theme reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977 and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.