played: an instrumental horn version and a different orchestral version. In Rocky Balboa, a slightly different version of the song used more trumpets and different vocal tones. The soundtrack for that film also includes a vocal remix performed by Natalie Wilde. Creed samples the first few notes of the track during the film's last fight, as does its sequel, Creed II. Personnel Writing – Bill Conti, Carol Connors, Ayn Robbins Producer – Bill Conti Recording engineer – Ami Hadani Vocals – DeEtta West and Nelson Pigford Drums – Johnny Guerin Bass – Max Bennett Guitar – Dennis Budimir Piano – Mike Melvoin Horns performed by uncredited Los Angeles-based studio musicians group Chart performance Weekly charts Rhythm Heritage Bill Conti Year-end charts Maynard Ferguson In popular culture Due to its original use, the song (or a soundalike of it) is used frequently in various forms of popular media where a main character is forced to train hard in order to defeat an opponent, often during a montage sequence. Renditions of the song without lyrics were used by the groundbreaking Toronto newscast CityPulse beginning in 1976, with an arrangement by Maynard Ferguson. The theme was subsequently remixed and rearranged every few years, until 2002. The song was also used in a 1994 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, during Will Smith's visit to Philadelphia. Elements of "Gonna Fly Now" are incorporated in "Bucky Done Gun", a song off of M.I.A.'s album Arular. French radio The daily French radio program Les Grosses Têtes, on the RTL French radio network, uses an arrangement by Gaya Bécaud from "Gonna Fly Now". Ice hockey The Finnish professional ice hockey team Jokerit from the KHL uses "Gonna Fly Now" as their goal song. Politics American politician and former Vice President Walter Mondale used "Gonna Fly Now" as his presidential campaign song in 1984. American President Donald Trump also used "Gonna Fly Now" at his 2016 presidential campaign rallies. When composer Bill Conti was asked what he thought of Trump's use of the song, Conti stated: “I think it’s great. I’m an equal opportunity kind of guy. The song is my creation. And anytime something I create is used, I am happy about that. Music has no politics attached to it." References External links Songs from Rocky (film series) Film theme songs 1976 songs Songs written by Bill Conti Songs written by Carol Connors (singer) Boxing music