Sometimes a winner is a dreamer who just won’t quit.

Jerry Goldsmith (1929–2004) was an American composer whose innovative, emotionally charged film scores helped define the sound of modern Hollywood. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he wrote music for hundreds of films and television series, earning an Academy Award, multiple nominations, and a devoted following among filmmakers and fans alike. Known for his versatility, Goldsmith could move effortlessly from intimate drama to epic adventure, always grounding his music in strong melodies, rhythmic drive, and a deep sensitivity to character.

Goldsmith’s score for Rudy (1993) is one of his most beloved works, celebrated for its heartfelt themes and uplifting spirit. Supporting the true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger’s relentless pursuit of his dream to play football at Notre Dame, Goldsmith’s music captures both the quiet vulnerability of Rudy’s struggles and the soaring triumph of his ultimate achievement. The score’s stirring main theme, with its rich harmonies and gradually building orchestration, has become synonymous with underdog perseverance and is frequently used in sports arenas, trailers, and concert programs as a musical emblem of hope, courage, and never giving up.