Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the iconic "Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)" by Tato Schab, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks hyped. This 2018 single, a cover of the legendary Rocky theme originally composed by Bill Conti, captures the triumphant spirit of the 1976 film. Tato Schab’s version, available as a single on platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music, clocks in at a tight 2 minutes, delivering the same brassy, motivational energy that made the original a cultural phenomenon. Fun fact: the original song, with lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins, was nominated for Best Original Song at the 49th Academy Awards, and its 30-word lyrical simplicity became a hallmark of its universal appeal.

Diving into trivia, Tato Schab’s rendition keeps the song’s cinematic legacy alive, echoing its use in various Rocky sequels with evolving arrangements, like the disco-infused version in Rocky III or the trumpet-heavy take in Rocky Balboa. While no specific interviews or social media posts from Tato Schab about this track have surfaced, the song’s broader history offers juicy tidbits. For instance, Bill Conti, the original composer, recorded the 1976 version in a single three-hour session with 39 musicians, including six trumpet players, and the vocals were sung by office workers from a Los Angeles radio station who grabbed a sandwich and went back to work—no pay, just vibes. The iconic Rocky steps scene at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, paired with the song, has made it a staple at Philadelphia Eagles games, played before every home game kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field.

As for Tato Schab, the artist behind this cover, biographical details are sparse, but what’s clear is their versatility. Schab has collaborated on diverse projects, from meditation music like Meditación del Mar to spiritual tracks like Canalización del Ángel Kryon, showcasing a knack for genre-spanning creativity. Likely hailing from a Latin American background, given the Spanish-language titles in their discography, Schab’s musical journey seems rooted in exploration, blending cinematic covers with ambient and collaborative works. Their take on "Gonna Fly Now" suggests a passion for reimagining iconic pieces, bringing fresh energy to a track that’s been remixed and covered by artists like Rhythm Heritage and Maynard Ferguson since its 1977 chart-topping days.

Connecting with Tato Schab online is tricky, as no official website or verified social media accounts—like Facebook, Instagram, or X—are explicitly tied to the artist. Fans looking to dig deeper might check platforms like Apple Music for more of Schab’s work or explore music streaming sites for updates. Similarly, no dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups for Tato Schab have popped up in searches, but Rocky enthusiasts can join broader communities like the r/rockybalboa subreddit, where fans discuss the franchise and its music, including "Gonna Fly Now." For now, Tato Schab’s contribution to the Rocky legacy lives on through this spirited cover, perfect for the Zoo Freaks’ high-energy airwaves.