: To give it an authentic feel, he brought in the Stovall Sisters , a professional gospel trio, to provide the soulful backup harmonies. The Legacy
: The song is famous for its fuzzy, growling guitar riff. Greenbaum used a Fender Telecaster with a custom "fuzz box" built directly into the guitar body to achieve the unique tone. Spirit In The Sky
Though Greenbaum is often labeled a "one-hit wonder," the song remains a "forever song". It has been covered by numerous artists, including and Gareth Gates , and is a staple in movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Apollo 13 . Today, it is frequently used as an uplifting anthem at celebrations of life and funerals. : To give it an authentic feel, he
: The theme of being "buried with your shoes on"—a common trope in Westerns—found its way into his thoughts during the writing process. The Writing & Recording Though Greenbaum is often labeled a "one-hit wonder,"
: The title "Spirit in the Sky" came from a card he saw depicting Native Americans looking toward a "spirit in the sky".
The helpful "story" behind Norman Greenbaum's 1969 hit is a classic tale of unexpected inspiration. Despite its heavy Christian themes, the song was written by a Jewish artist who simply thought he could write a better gospel song than the ones he saw on TV. The Inspiration