Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum Lands a New Deluxe Vinyl Reissue

“Spirit in the Sky” stands as one of music’s most unlikely and enduring crossover hits—a vibrant blend of fuzz-drenched rock, gospel-rooted harmonies, and spiritual musings that somehow captured the spirit of an era. In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Norman Greenbaum reflected on the song’s serendipitous beginnings. The title itself, he admitted, was plucked from an ordinary greeting card. But the real inspiration struck after watching an episode of The Porter Wagoner Show, during which a country gospel number called “Pastor’s Absent on Vacation” left a lasting impression. That quirky performance set something in motion, and within just 15 minutes, Greenbaum had scribbled down the lyrics that would launch his biggest hit.

Now, over half a century since its release, “Spirit in the Sky” is receiving a long-overdue celebration in physical form. For the very first time, the song is being released on vinyl. Craft Recordings is honoring its timeless legacy with two special editions: a freshly remixed Dolby Atmos version of the single, available for streaming and digital download today, and a deluxe vinyl reissue of Greenbaum’s kaleidoscopic debut album Spirit in the Sky, set to arrive on June 13. These releases not only commemorate the track’s enduring appeal but also reintroduce its psychedelic gospel-rock magic to a new generation of listeners.

Norman Greenbaum managed to do what most artists only dream of—he caught lightning in a bottle with a single song. And what a spark it was. “Spirit in the Sky” wasn’t just a hit; it became a cultural phenomenon, a song that outgrew its creator and embedded itself into the collective consciousness. Unlike many of his musical peers, Greenbaum’s success didn’t rely on a string of chart-toppers or a high-profile persona. The song itself has become so iconic that most people can instantly recognize the riff or chorus, even if they can’t name the man behind it.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who built their careers on long discographies and media personas, Greenbaum became one of the most enduring one-hit wonders in music history. “Spirit in the Sky” alone has sold millions of copies and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. Yet, behind this iconic anthem is a quietly unconventional story. While the song celebrates a Christian vision of the afterlife, Greenbaum himself is Jewish—raised in a devout Orthodox household. Though he no longer practices religion, he approached the song with a sense of spiritual curiosity and artistic freedom, crafting a message that felt universal rather than dogmatic.

That kind of anonymity might seem like a drawback in the fame-obsessed world of popular music—but for Greenbaum, it may have been a quiet blessing. While others chased the spotlight, he was able to step away from the chaos of celebrity life, letting the song speak for itself. “Spirit in the Sky” lives on as a standalone anthem, bigger than any one artist, and perhaps that’s part of its enduring magic. In a way, Greenbaum achieved a rare feat: immortality through music, without the burden of fame.

Though it began as a simple folk tune, “Spirit in the Sky” transformed in the studio into a bold sonic hybrid. Greenbaum wielded a Fender Telecaster with a fuzz box built directly into its body, giving the track its crunchy, electrified edge. To heighten the gospel influence, he and producer Erik Jacobsen enlisted The Stovall Sisters—a powerhouse trio from Kentucky—whose soaring harmonies elevated the track to near-spiritual heights.

Released at the tail end of the 1960s, a time when messages of peace and love echoed across the country following events like Woodstock, “Spirit in the Sky” struck a chord with a generation in search of meaning. It wasn’t just a song—it was a reflection of a cultural shift, where rock and religion, counterculture and conviction, could unexpectedly meet in perfect harmony.

Few songs have left as lasting a footprint on pop culture as Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.” Since its explosive debut on the charts in 1969, the track has continued to echo through the decades—unexpectedly surfacing in commercials, television, and blockbuster films. Its instantly recognizable fuzz-guitar intro and gospel-tinged chorus have popped up in everything from The Simpsons and Guardians of the Galaxy to Apollo 13, Wayne’s World 2, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Ocean’s Eleven, Miami Blues, Remember the Titans, and Suicide Squad, among many others. It’s the kind of song that sneaks into scenes and storylines you’d never anticipate, yet always feels right at home.

While “Spirit in the Sky” undeniably overshadows the rest of the album with its larger-than-life presence, Greenbaum’s debut solo record is far from a one-track wonder. Beneath the glow of the title track lies a collection of gems—songs laced with charm, wit, and the same quirky fusion of rock, folk, and gospel that made his breakout hit so distinctive. It’s a strong if underrated, solo debut that showcases Greenbaum’s eclectic songwriting and offbeat sense of humor.

However, the timing wasn’t on his side. The early 1970s marked a seismic shift in the music industry. As the era of intimate, solo-driven storytelling gave way to the rise of stadium rock, bombastic production, and larger-than-life bands, many singer-songwriters of the ’60s suddenly found themselves outpaced by louder, flashier acts. The soft-spoken authenticity that had defined much of the previous decade was now being drowned out by the roar of arena anthems and progressive rock epics.

Like many of his peers, Greenbaum became one of the casualties of this changing musical landscape. Despite his talent and the success of “Spirit in the Sky,” the industry’s focus had moved on—and so, eventually, did Greenbaum. Still, his debut album remains a fascinating time capsule of an artist caught between eras: one foot planted in the countercultural folk-rock scene of the late ’60s, the other hovering on the edge of a new decade defined by spectacle.

After releasing a few more albums, including Petaluma in 1972—named after his hometown in Northern California—Greenbaum made a dramatic pivot. He stepped away from the spotlight, walked away from the music industry, and returned to a quieter, more grounded life on his dairy farm. In doing so, he let the song live on without him, allowing it to take on a life of its own. And it has—decade after decade, “Spirit in the Sky” continues to soar, a timeless track from an artist who chose peace over fame.

Norman Greenbaum reflects, “I’m humbled and deeply grateful that “Spirit in the Sky” continues to connect with people. It means so much that people have taken the song to heart, and I’m excited to see its journey continue.”

Click here to stream/pre-order Spirit in the Sky.

Tracklist:

Side A:

1. Junior Cadillac

2. Spirit in the Sky

3. Skyline

4. Jubilee

5. Alice Bodine

Side B:

1. Tars Of India

2. The Power

3. Good Lookin’ Woman