The Story of Norman Greenbaum And His Biggest Hit – Spirit in the Sky
The Story of Norman Greenbaum and His Biggest Hit – Spirit in the Sky
Introduction
Norman Joel Greenbaum, born November 20 1942 in the Orthodox Jewish community of Molden, Massachusetts, rose from a radio‑head teenager to the creator of the 1969 rock anthem “Spirit in the Sky.” His 15‑minute burst of inspiration produced a song that sold over two million copies and remains a cultural touchstone.
Early Life and Musical Roots
After high school, Greenbaum attended Boston University while soaking up folk music in local coffee houses. In 1965 he left college, moved to Los Angeles, and formed the psychedelic outfit Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. The band’s novelty single “The Eggplant That Ate Chicago” reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967, proving Greenbaum’s knack for catchy hooks.
Creation of “Spirit in the Sky”
In 1968, Greenbaum signed with Reprecords as a solo artist. Influenced by Western movies, Porter Wagner’s gospel, and a mysterious greeting card, he wrote the lyrics to “Spirit in the Sky” in just 15 minutes. Producer Eric Jacobson, known for work with the Love and Spoonful, transformed the simple folk demo into a hard‑rock anthem. Recording at Coast Recorders in San Francisco featured session musicians Russell Dashil (lead guitar), Doug Kilmer (bass), and Norman Mayo (drums). Greenbaum’s Fender Telecaster was fitted with a custom fuzz device wired into the guitar body, creating the song’s iconic opening. The Stoval Sisters added gospel harmonies, blending blues, gospel, and psychedelic rock into a unique sound.
Legacy and Later Life
Released December 1969, the single was certified gold, sold over two million copies, and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped charts in the UK, Australia, and Canada in 1970. Subsequent releases - Back Home Again (1970) and Pedaluma (1972) - failed to chart, and by 1972 Greenbaum retired from music to run a dairy farm in California. He returned in the mid‑1980s as a concert manager. The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its use in films such as Apollo 13, Remember the Titans, Ocean’s 11, and Guardians of the Galaxy, and in covers by Doctor and the Medics (1986) and Gareth Gates (2003). In 2015, after a serious car accident, Greenbaum survived and resumed performing, underscoring the song’s theme of facing the unknown.
Key Facts
- Born November 20 1942 in Molden, Massachusetts.
- Formed Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band in 1965.
- Wrote “Spirit in the Sky” in 15 minutes; recorded at Coast Recorders.
- Single sold over 2 million copies; peaked at #3 on Billboard Hot 100.
- Retired to a dairy farm in California in 1972; returned to music management in the 1980s.
FAQs
Why did Greenbaum write the song about Jesus?
He chose Jesus because he believed the figure was more marketable than Jehovah, a strategic decision that helped the song reach a broad audience.
What made the guitar sound in “Spirit in the Sky” unique?
Greenbaum’s Fender Telecaster had a custom fuzz device wired directly into the instrument, producing a raw, gritty tone that became the song’s signature opening.
Conclusion
Norman Greenbaum’s journey from an Orthodox Jewish upbringing to a psychedelic rock icon, then to dairy farmer and back to music, mirrors the spirit of his most famous song. “Spirit in the Sky” endures as a timeless anthem that transcends genre and faith, proving that a single 15‑minute idea can shape cultural history.