**Carol Connors Reflects on Grammy Nominations and the Legacy of ‘Gonna Fly Now’**
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In a heartfelt showcase at the 26th annual Beverly Hills Film Festival, Carol Connors shared her experiences during the unveiling of her documentary, *Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story*. The event took place on 13 April 2026 and provided a platform for Connors, now aged 85, to reflect on her exceptional career and her recent Grammy nomination for her memoir’s narration.
Connors, who co-wrote the iconic theme song “Gonna Fly Now” for the 1976 classic film *Rocky*, gained her first recognition at the Grammy Awards in 1977. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that initial nomination, which was paired with a separate nomination for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Although she did not secure a win for either accolade, the enduring impact of her work remains a significant source of pride.
The singer-songwriter was awarded her second Grammy nomination in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for her memoir, *Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story*. This new recognition serves as a testament to her extensive contributions to the music industry and storytelling, bridging nearly five decades of artistic journey.
During the documentary showcase, Connors reflected on the emotions associated with her earlier nomination and expressed what her acceptance speech would have entailed had she triumphed at the Oscars. With a hint of nostalgia, she shared, “My father was a jockey. So he always said, ‘Only one horse goes over the finish line first.’ Had I won for *Rocky* — *Gonna Fly Now*, with Bill Conti and Ayn Robbins — I would have said, ‘Daddy, I’m not a boy. I’m not a jockey, but I just won the Oscar.’ But I never got the chance to say it. Who knows what the future holds?”
Despite not clinching the award in 1977, “Gonna Fly Now” has lived on, closely associated with the film’s message of resilience and determination. The composition quickly became synonymous with the story of Rocky Balboa, resonating deeply with audiences long after the film’s credits rolled. It has since been adopted in various sports events and motivational contexts, solidifying Connors’ role in creating a piece of music that transcends generations.
Humour has been a companion to Connors throughout her career journey, even in the face of setbacks. “I’ve been up for 11 major music awards. I’m the Susan Lucci of the music industry. I swear to God!” she quips, referencing the actress famous for her numerous Emmy nominations without a win.
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held in February 2026, Connors faced tough competition but remained gracious in defeat. The award ultimately went to Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, who at the age of 90, received his first Grammy for his spoken-word album *Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama*. Connors took the news in good spirits, remarking, “I mean, we lost to the Dalai Lama, which is okay. It’s His Holiness. Now, if I had lost to Milli Vanilli, that would have been different, and I might have jumped off a cliff!”
As Connors navigates her long career, the resilience she portrayed through her music continues to inspire countless individuals, reminding them of the importance of perseverance and dedication. Her reflections capture not only her personal journey but also the legacy of a song that has become an anthem for champions everywhere.
The documentary *Elvis, Rocky & Me* provides a deeper insight into Connors’ life, including her connections to the music legends of the past, and chronicles her incredible journey through a dynamic and competitive industry. As she looks towards future projects and endeavours, her story remains woven into the fabric of music history, capturing the hearts of audiences across the globe.