Seventeen years ago, Don Ryder, director of bands, joined UT’s band program, and you can bet there hasn’t been a single football game where he hasn’t joined the Pride of the Southland Band in playing “Rocky Top.”

Originally from Ohio, Ryder recalled being familiar with the university’s iconic song even in his youth.

“Even when I was growing up in Ohio, the Tennessee games were broadcast on TV and of course being in the band profession, Dr. Julian’s reputation was nationally renowned, so you kind of grew up knowing a little bit about it,” Ryder said.

However, what the rest of the nation didn’t know was where this anthem originated. For most Tennessee Volunteers, the song sprung out of the blue on Oct. 21, 1972 during the halftime performance of the Vols game against Alabama. Barry McDonald, the band’s arranger of music at the time, had come across the song through his multiple contacts in Nashville and worked the catchy tune into the halftime medley.

The crowd was hooked. According to Ryder, WJ Julian, director of bands, didn’t have any knowledge of the song, but had to respond to the enthusiasm of the crowd.

“If there’s a song that’s sort of a hit among the fans, you kick it out of what would have been a one-and-done deal for the halftime show and you put it in the folder that you play for the stands during the game,” Ryder said. “That’s what happened — it got transferred over, and it just grew from there.”

From that day in 1972, “Rocky Top” grew to become an official school song, to an adopted state song and as of this year, the number one song in college football. Surprisingly, this national favorite was conceived in a Gatlinburg hotel room.

Country duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant were working on an album for Archie Campbell and hit a musical mental block, so they decided to have a little fun. In less than 15 minutes, “Rocky Top” was penned down, with little pomp and circumstance or knowledge that this creative exercise would become one of the duo’s most recognized works.

“I think when you look at music that has survived over the course of the years, it (Rocky Top) has those qualities,” Ryder said. “It has something catchy that people can grab on to; they can sing along with it.”

Despite having lyrics that evoke a community of mountaineers in the hills of Appalachia, “Rocky Top” is belted out by UT students and Knoxvillians alike, transforming images of a mountain heritage into a source of regional pride. To the most die-hard fan, this tune is never over-played.

“When they (the band) go out to the practice field on game day to warm up or stretch, the kids are actually playing it over the speakers. The excitement is still there despite them playing it hundreds of times throughout the season,” Ryder said. “I don’t think it’s ever grown weary for any of the musicians.”

School sentiment seems to be unanimous: Good ol’ Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee.