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Who sang the original song Spirit in the Sky?


The original version of the song “Spirit in the Sky” was recorded and released by singer Norman Greenbaum in 1969. Greenbaum’s version became a huge hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over 2 million copies. “Spirit in the Sky” has become a rock classic and has been covered by many other artists over the years, but Norman Greenbaum’s original recording remains the definitive version. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind the original “Spirit in the Sky,” Norman Greenbaum’s inspiration for writing it, its initial reception and continuing popularity, and some of the famous covers that other artists have recorded over the decades.

Norman Greenbaum and the Original Recording

Norman Greenbaum is an American singer-songwriter and musician who was born in 1942 in Massachusetts. He began performing in the mid-1960s, playing at coffeehouses and folk clubs and releasing an album titled “Spirit of the Boomerang” in 1969. Later that year, Greenbaum wrote and recorded what would become his most famous song – “Spirit in the Sky.”

Greenbaum was inspired to write the song after watching Porter Wagoner singing a gospel song on TV. Although Greenbaum was Jewish, he wanted to explore writing a gospel-inspired rock song. The lyrics he penned mention Jesus prominently, with the chorus declaring “When I die and they lay me to rest, I’m gonna go to the place that’s the best.” This Christian imagery led many listeners to assume Greenbaum was himself a devout Christian, which was not actually the case.

Writing and Recording

Greenbaum worked on “Spirit in the Sky” along with record producer Erik Jacobsen. Jacobsen brought in several studio musicians to record the song, including Russell DaShiell on lead guitar and Norman Mayell on drums. The recording has a gritty, bluesy sound featuring Greenbaum’s raw lead vocals, fuzz guitar, and a distinctive handclap section. Jacobsen purposely made the production sparse and left in Greenbaum’s guitar squeaks and other imperfections to give it a live, spontaneous feel.

Release and Reception

“Spirit in the Sky” was released in late 1969 on the album of the same name. The song gained traction on radio stations and became a major hit, fueled by its catchy sound and unique mix of rock, gospel, and country elements. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970 and also topped charts in several other countries. Thesingle sold over 2 million copies and was certified Gold by the RIAA.

The song earned praise from many music critics. Rolling Stone magazine called it “the ultimate anthem to the power of rock ‘n’ roll.” Others praised the song’s memorable guitar riff and effective blending of styles. A few Christian fundamentalists took issue with the song’s seeming appropriation of gospel themes for a rock tune. But for most listeners, the joyous, uplifting sound and spiritual lyrics struck a chord.

Legacy and Impact

“Spirit in the Sky” has become one of the most enduring and iconic rock songs of the late 1960s/early 1970s era. Its success made Greenbaum into a one-hit wonder, as he never achieved another major chart hit. But “Spirit in the Sky” continued to get radio airplay for years and generated substantial royalties for Greenbaum. Major artists who have covered the song include Doctor and the Medics, Gareth Gates, and Norman’s own nephew David.

In the decades since its release, “Spirit in the Sky” has been featured in many films, TV shows, and commercials. This has helped introduce it to younger generations and perpetuated its popularity. Some examples of its placement in media include the films Wayne’s World, Apollo 13, Remember the Titans, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Overall, it remains one of the most recognizable and oft-played rock songs from its time period.

Norman Greenbaum’s Other Work

Although always associated most closely with “Spirit in the Sky,” Norman Greenbaum recorded various other singles and albums over the years. His debut album Spirit of the Boomerang was a modest success, featuring songs in a blues-rock and psychedelic style.

After the success of the title track, Greenbaum’s 1969 Spirit in the Sky album contained mostly covers of older blues, rock, and country songs. He recorded two more albums for Reprise Records – Back Home Again in 1970 and Petaluma in 1972 – but neither matched the popularity of his signature hit. Greenbaum then left Reprise and continued to perform and put out independent releases on smaller labels throughout the 1970s and into the ’80s and ’90s.

Later Solo Albums

Some later Norman Greenbaum solo albums include:

– The Land of Milk and Honey (1977)
– Back to Back (1986)
– Stark Naked Serenade (1989)
– Trippin’ in paradise (1998)

These albums saw Greenbaum returning mostly to his blues and folk roots, performing self-written songs as well as covers. While none produced any major hits, they allowed Greenbaum to explore a diversity of musical styles.

Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band

For a period in the early 1970s, Greenbaum was part of a psychedelic jug band collective called Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. They released two albums:

– Norman Greenbaum with Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band (1970)
– The Eggplant that Ate Chicago (1972)

These albums featured Greenbaum as lead singer on a mix of bizarre, humorous tracks that showed his knack for creative lyrical imagery in a psychedelic context.

Famous Covers of “Spirit in the Sky”

While Norman Greenbaum’s original version remains the best known, many other artists have recorded memorable covers of “Spirit in the Sky” over the decades:

Doctor and the Medics (1986)

This British pop/new wave band reached #1 on the UK charts and the US top 40 with their lively synthesizer-driven version. It infused a 1980s contemporary sound but kept the spirit of Greenbaum’s original.

Gareth Gates (2003)

Gates, a British pop singer, took “Spirit in the Sky” back to #1 on the UK charts for several weeks. His version appealed to a new generation of listeners.

William Shatner (2011)

Yes, Captain Kirk himself! Shatner included a spoken word/musical version on his album Seeking Major Tom. It shows off Shatner’s trademark dramatic delivery.

David Greenbaum (2019)

Norman’s nephew David Greenbaum recorded a passionate cover staying faithful to the original, showcasing the song’s timeless appeal.

Conclusion

More than 50 years after its release, the appeal of Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” endures. Its catchy guitar riff, gospel-inspired lyrics, and rousing vocals create a feel-good sense of joy and spiritual yearning. Greenbaum succeeded in crafting an iconic song that has crossed generational lines and musical genres. While his career faded after this breakout hit, “Spirit in the Sky” remains beloved and continues to inspire new versions by diverse artists. Most importantly, it has cemented Norman Greenbaum’s place in rock n’ roll history for gifting music fans this timeless sky-bound spiritual anthem.