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You thought you’d heard it all.
In a one-of-a-kind musical crossover, APM Music and ESPN “Simpson-ized” the iconic theme song of Monday Night Football, “Heavy Action,” that is worthy of Deward "Dewey" Largo and Danny Elfman’s applause.
Arranged by Gordon Goodwin with Jeff Rona producing and recording the Louisianna Philharmonic Orchestra at the fabled Esplanade Studios in New Orleans, this new take on Johnny Pearson's classic takes you straight to the universe made famous by Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and the rest of the Springfield gang. Robert Navarro, APM Music’s Creative Director oversaw the project.
Watch: APM Music and ESPN Team Up to Mashup the Monday Night Football and The Simpsons’ Theme Songs
About Johnny Pearson
Johnny Pearson (1925–2011) was a British composer, pianist, and arranger celebrated for his influential work in TV and library music. His 1970 composition Heavy Action, created for KPM Music, became iconic as the theme for Monday Night Football in the U.S. and Superstars in the UK. The piece's bold brass and percussion arrangement has made it synonymous with sports broadcasting, with its NFL association beginning in 1975. Though primarily a library music composer, Pearson's international fame rests on Heavy Action, widely regarded as one of the world’s most recognizable sports themes. Pearson also served as musical director for the BBC’s Top of the Pops, cementing his legacy in broadcast music.
About Jeff Rona
Jeff Rona is an acclaimed American composer and musician celebrated for his film, television, and video game scores. Known for blending electronic, orchestral, and world music influences, Rona has created memorable soundscapes for films like White Squall and Phantom, TV shows such as Homicide: Life on the Street, and video games including God of War III. A collaborator with industry icons like Hans Zimmer and Philip Glass, Rona is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist and the author of The Reel World: Scoring for Pictures, a go-to resource for aspiring composers. With a career rooted in sound design and music technology, he continues to innovate and mentor the next generation of composers.
About Gordon Goodwin
Gordon Goodwin is a celebrated American composer, arranger, pianist, and saxophonist, best known as the founder and leader of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. Renowned for its innovative fusion of jazz, swing, Latin, and funk, the band has earned multiple Grammy Awards and nominations. Goodwin’s standout compositions, including "Hunting Wabbits" and "The Jazz Police," highlight his mastery of complex harmonies and virtuosic style. A versatile musician, he has composed and arranged for films like The Incredibles and National Treasure and collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones and Ray Charles. Goodwin’s contributions have solidified his role as a driving force in modern big band jazz, inspiring musicians through his instructional books and workshops.
About Danny Elfman
Danny Elfman is a legendary American composer, singer, and songwriter, renowned for his iconic film and television scores. He first rose to fame as the frontman of Oingo Boingo, known for hits like "Weird Science," before transitioning to film scoring. Elfman is best known for his collaborations with Tim Burton, crafting unforgettable scores for films such as Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, where he also voiced Jack Skellington. His work, characterized by dark, whimsical, and inventive orchestration, extends to blockbusters like Spider-Man and Men in Black and TV themes like The Simpsons. With many Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award nominations, Elfman is still one of the most versatile and influential composers in contemporary music, continuing to explore new styles through live performances and experimental projects.
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