Norman Greenbaum's smash hit "Spirit in the Sky" was released in late 1969 and it has become the gift that keeps on giving.  The fuzzy, hard rocking guitar riff is one of the most recognizable in rock music. But the version we know now is not what Greenbaum intended or envisioned.  He experimented with folk and delta blues versions before record producer Eric Jacobsen convinced him to record the final funky version that we all know.  However, Reprise record executives weren't confident that the sound or the lyrics would produce a hit. Greenbaum has said in various interviews that he was inspired to write a "spiritual" after watching country music star Porter Waggoner and a young Dolly Parton perform a sacred number on his then popular television show.

A song that referenced Christianity ("I got a friend in Jesus"), seemed out of place in rock music of that age.  It also seemed odd for someone raised as an Orthodox Jew in Massachusetts  to sing the praises of another religion. However, some say that Greenbaum was a catalyst for Christian rock that became prevalent in the mid to late 70's. So, what did the bosses at Reprise do? They released two other songs from the album that "Spirit in the Sky" was part of that went absolutely nowhere.  At that point, the ok was given to release it and the rest as they say is history. It would sell two million copies from 1969 to 1970, peaking at number three on the Billboard charts. Rolling Stone has listed it as one of the greatest songs of all time.  The song's success catapulted him to international fame and earned him a place in the annals of rock history.

As great as the song was in the studio, Greenbaum wasn't able to replicate the recorded version live in concert due to the wizardry that was only available at the recording facility. He also wasn't able to follow up "Spirit in the Sky" with a successful follow up.  The effort seemed daunting.  Like many artists of his era, Greenbaum didn't receive substantial financial compensation for his hit due to the business practices of the music industry at the time.  This, combined with the lack of follow-up hits, led to financial instability.  For many years, he would work on a dairy farm and as a cook in Northern California.  And then…"Spirit in the Sky" received a second life via movie soundtracks. Although he signed away his publishing rights due to his financial plight, he was able to receive at least $10,000 or more each time it was used in films, TV shows, and commercials as the song's performer.  The money started pouring in starting in the late 80's.  Apollo 13, Remember The Titans, Guardians of the Galaxy, Oceans 11, Simpsons, Black List, and Shameless are just some of the television and film projects the song has been a part of.  Gatorade, Nike, and American Express are just a few of the companies that have featured  "Spirit" in their commercials.  Greenbaum claims he's gotten numerous letters from funeral directors over the years telling him that it's their second most requested song to play at memorial services next to "Danny Boy."

Greenbaum almost met the spirit in the sky himself in 2015, a victim of a nearly fatal car accident. He recovered well enough to go back performing.  He is still alive and well today at the age of 82.  His impact on the music world extends far beyond his stature as a one-hit wonder. "Spirit in the Sky", has influenced countless musicians and continues to inspire a new generation of artists.  The son's fusion of rock, gospel, and folk elements has paved the way for other genre-blending hits, and its message of faith and redemption remains as relevant today as it was in 1969.