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YouTubeNorman Greenbaum: So Much More Than Just the Spirit in the Sky
Norman Greenbaum may be forever linked to the unforgettable guitar riff and gospel-tinged chorus of “Spirit in the Sky,” but there’s so much more to his story than one legendary song. Born in Massachusetts, Norman grew up in a Jewish household just outside Boston. Even though religion wasn’t a big part of his life, the music definitely was. From an early age, he was drawn to folk, rock ’n’ roll, and the rhythm and spirit of gospel music — even if he wasn’t raised with it.
A Musical Spark in Massachusetts
He studied briefly at Boston University, but the pull of music was too strong. Like many young artists chasing creative dreams in the ’60s, Greenbaum packed up and moved west to Los Angeles — the epicenter of folk revival, psychedelic rock, and counterculture energy. It was there, surrounded by the shifting sands of ’60s music, that Greenbaum began to find his voice.
Eggplants and Psychedelia: His First Band
Before launching a solo career, Greenbaum played with a psychedelic folk group called Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. It was a wild, quirky act that blended satire and silliness with a touch of social commentary. Their minor hit, The Eggplant That Ate Chicago, gave Greenbaum a taste of the music business and a foot in the door, but it wasn’t exactly where he saw his future. He wanted to explore songwriting with a bit more edge, a bit more soul.
Spirit in the Sky
In 1969, Norman Greenbaum wrote the song that would catapult him into music history — “Spirit in the Sky.” It’s hard to think of another track quite like it. A gritty, fuzzed-out electric guitar line, handclaps, and gospel harmonies sung by the Stovall Sisters gave the track its signature sound. The lyrics, which talk about meeting Jesus and being ready to die, struck an odd chord coming from a secular Jewish guy from Massachusetts. But it worked. In fact, it worked better than anyone expected.
Writing a Rock-Gospel Anthem in 15 Minutes
The story goes that Norman wrote the song in about 15 minutes after watching a Porter Wagoner gospel show on TV. He figured if he was going to write a song about the afterlife, it should speak to the audience’s expectations — and in America, that often meant Christian imagery. The result was a genre-bending track that felt part rock anthem and it hit like lightning.
The Global Success of Spirit in the Sky
“Spirit in the Sky” soared to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped charts around the world, and sold over two million copies. It became an instant classic. Norman followed it up with a full-length album of the same name, released by Reprise Records, which included other strong tracks like “Canned Ham” and “Milk Cow.” While none of those had the same impact as the title track, they showed off Greenbaum’s quirky style and lyrical humor.
The Albums That Followed
As the ’70s unfolded, Norman continued to record and release music, including albums like Back Home Again and Petaluma. But the commercial magic of “Spirit in the Sky” proved tough to recreate. Despite being somewhat pigeonholed as a one-hit wonder, Norman didn’t fade away bitter. If anything, he leaned into the legacy.
Choosing a Quieter Life on the Farm
Norman eventually left the pressures of the music industry behind and settled into a quieter life. In the 1970s, he moved to Petaluma, California, where he ran a dairy farm, produced goat cheese, and lived off the royalties from his big hit. He wasn’t exactly a recluse, but he definitely stepped away from the spotlight.
The Song That Refuses to Fade
Through the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, Norman’s name would pop up every few years as “Spirit in the Sky” found new life in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It’s been featured in countless ads, and it remains a go-to track whenever filmmakers want to evoke retro cool with a spiritual twist.
A Life-Changing Accident in 2015
In 2015, Norman made headlines again — this time due to a tragic car accident. He was a passenger in a car that collided with a motorcycle in Santa Rosa, California. The motorcyclist died in the crash, and Greenbaum himself was critically injured, spending weeks in the hospital. The accident deeply affected him, not only physically but emotionally. He’s spoken about the lasting impact it had on him, especially considering the spiritual nature of his most famous song.
Reconnecting After Recovery
After a long recovery, Greenbaum slowly returned to public appearances, embracing a quieter life but still keeping the door open to music. He continues to live in Santa Rosa, where he maintains an official website, spiritinthesky.com, which features music, photos, and ways for fans to reach out. Though he doesn’t send out autographs unless they’re tied to merchandise, he has remained warm and appreciative toward his audience.
