For over fifty years, Norman Greenbaum’s 1969 anthem “Spirit in the Sky” has captivated audiences with its euphoric energy and groundbreaking, genre-blending sound. Now, Craft Recordings is celebrating the song’s timeless legacy with two special releases: a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix of the single, available for streaming and download today, and a vinyl reissue of Greenbaum’s iconic debut album, Spirit in the Sky, arriving June 13, 2025.
Long out-of-print, this 1969 classic returns to vinyl in a replica tip-on jacket, with lacquers cut from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Anchored by the legendary title track, the album blends rock, gospel, and psychedelia, and features hidden gems like “Marcy,” “Tars of India,” and “Skyline” that showcase Greenbaum’s unique songwriting. The Dolby Atmos single offers fans a chance to experience “Spirit in the Sky” in stunning spatial audio, elevating the classic track to new heights.
Fueled by one of the most iconic guitar hooks in history, Norman Greenbaum’s 1969 hit “Spirit in the Sky” went from a bold experiment to a global sensation, topping charts worldwide and selling over two million copies. A blend of rock, gospel, pop, and psychedelia, it was a genre-defying anthem that was way ahead of its time.
Greenbaum, a Massachusetts native, had a brief stint with Dr. West’s Medicine Show before striking gold with “Spirit in the Sky” under the guidance of producer Erik Jacobsen. The song’s creation was quick—Greenbaum wrote the lyrics in just 15 minutes after a gospel show, and the track’s distinctive sound was partly thanks to Greenbaum’s fuzzed-out Fender Telecaster and the powerful harmonies of The Stovall Sisters. Despite initial resistance from Reprise Records, the song became an international hit, staying on the U.S. Top 40 for 14 weeks.
Greenbaum’s debut album, Spirit in the Sky, released in 1969, features everything from funky R&B to psychedelic rock. Though the album wasn’t an immediate commercial success, it’s now hailed as a cult classic, with tracks like “Marcy” and “Junior Cadillac” showing off Greenbaum’s eclectic musical range.
Since its release, “Spirit in the Sky” has made its mark on pop culture, appearing in countless films, ads, and TV shows. It’s been covered, sampled, and even topped the UK Singles Chart three times—each with a different version. A proto-glam masterpiece, Spirit in the Sky continues to earn its place among the greatest songs of all time.
The vinyl reissue of Norman Greenbaum’s, Spirit in the Sky, is available for pre-order now, but will be released on June 13, 2025.
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