A Breath of Fresh Air June 24

Norman Greenbaum: The Man Behind “Spirit in the Sky”

Norman Greenbaum is the American singer-songwriter forever linked to the 1969 mega-hit Spirit in the Sky — a fuzzed-out, gospel-rock anthem that became one of the most iconic songs of its time. Born in Malden, Massachusetts in 1942 and raised in a Jewish family, Greenbaum’s early love of music led him west to Los Angeles during the peak of the ’60s folk-rock scene. He first found quirky success with the psychedelic Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band before going solo.

The breakthrough came when he wrote Spirit in the Sky in just 15 minutes, inspired by a gospel TV show. Despite its Christian themes, the song was penned with irony and intent by Greenbaum, who wanted to tap into the spiritual mood of the era. It soared to #3 on the Billboard charts and sold millions worldwide — and has remained a pop culture staple for over 50 years.

After his brief moment in the spotlight, Greenbaum moved to Northern California, ran a dairy farm, and lived quietly off the song’s royalties. A serious car accident in 2015 nearly ended his life, but he recovered and continues to live in Santa Rosa, occasionally performing and engaging with fans online.

Though often dubbed a one-hit wonder, Norman Greenbaum created a track that truly stood the test of time — and earned his place in rock history.