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Story behind the Greatest Classic Rock One Hit Wonder of The 1970s | Professor of Rock 

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Story of 1970 Hit: Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum:
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Norman Greenbaum and the off the wall story of creating Spirit in the Sky the greatest one hit wonder of the 70s! He once wrote a song about warning the people of Chicago about a “monster eggplant" that was going to eat their city, He also became a goat farmer. The fascinating story of rock n’ roll non-fiction. NEXT on Professor of Rock.
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It’s time for another for another edition of our series Bottled Lightening where we break down the history of a beloved one hit wonder that still resonates in our culture E.B. White, the acclaimed writer of such literary standards as Charlotte’s Web & The Trumpet of the Swan, once encouraged readers to- “always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” I love the spirit of that quote, because... as an insatiable music fanatic, I am constantly amazed by the wonderment of how a song can put a ’Svengali hold’ on your body & soul. That emotional effect is most fascinating in the phenomenon of the so-called ‘one hit wonder.’ Or bottled lightening as we call it.
The general definition of a “one hit wonder” is a musical artist who is successful in the public arena with one hit song, without producing a comparable subsequent hit. No phrase riles up an artist more than being called a “one hit wonder,” mainly because it implies that the rest of their work is meaningless, just because the music didn’t yield commercial success.
For me, the concept of a “one hit wonder,” is a very intriguing mystery, that will never be solved. How can you explain the reasons why an artist can create a song that becomes a monster smash, and then never be able to do it again. Even when the artist follows the same formula, has the same talent, and applies the same musical process. It is not logical… It’s certainly not scientific, or predictable… but there are countess examples of those kind of 'flairs of fame' throughout recorded music history.
One of the most interesting stories of this phenomenon” is the tale of Norman Greenbaum, who created the everlasting classic “Spirit in the Sky.” Norman Greenbaum is a lovable paradox:
He was raised in a nearly Orthodox Jewish family, and wrote a song about Jesus. He was a folk singer, who abandoned an acoustic guitar, and turned to a psychedelic fuzz box to make 'lighting in a bottle.'
Instead of riding the wave of fame by living a rock and roll lifestyle, Norman became a goat farmer while his single dominated the music charts around the world. Greenbaum loved southern blues and folk music that was popular in the 50s and 60s. As a boy, he enjoyed listening to nighttime AM broadcasts of the Grand Ol’ Opry, which included country flavored gospel tunes. When he graduated from high school, Norman performed in coffeehouses around the Boston area, before dropping out of Boston University, and moving to LA in ’65.

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2 июл 2021

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Комментарии : 4,4 тыс.   
@ProfessorofRock
@ProfessorofRock 3 года назад
Try Noom today at the link below: bit.ly/noom_professorofrock
@MyName-pl7zn
@MyName-pl7zn 3 года назад
This link isn't connecting for me, is anyone else having trouble?
@williambenner5550
@williambenner5550 3 года назад
@@MyName-pl7zn yes, the link appears to be broken.
@williambenner5550
@williambenner5550 3 года назад
Your link appears to be broken Adam. Just wanted you to know.
@ProfessorofRock
@ProfessorofRock 3 года назад
@@MyName-pl7zn Works for me. Please try it again.
@MyName-pl7zn
@MyName-pl7zn 3 года назад
Got it
@jasonbrendamenges1621
@jasonbrendamenges1621 2 года назад
Ordered his CD in 1999. Order was late. Phone rang, it was Norman himself explaining how he was out of town and autographed CD would be there in two days. Spoke for a half hour. Kind man. God Bless
@TroySchoonover
@TroySchoonover 2 года назад
Wow!
@tracysimmons220
@tracysimmons220 2 года назад
How cool is that?
@davidbambey3290
@davidbambey3290 2 года назад
Awesome
@glenn-younger
@glenn-younger 2 года назад
Great story! Thank you for sharing.
@glo3139
@glo3139 2 года назад
Now, THAT is a FANTASTIC story!!!!! Lucky You!!! 💚. Thanks for sharing with all of us!!!! 🧚🏼🙏☁️
@martinmass2365
@martinmass2365 2 года назад
Norman Greenbaum's mom lived in the upper flat of our house in Malden, Mass when I was a teenager. I remember coming home from college one year in the summer and heard Spirit in the Sky playing from our house. It turned out his mom had been sent a copy of the record and was playing it so loud that all the neighbors heard it. She told me that one of the local radio stations broadcast that his Mom lived in Malden. Fans got hold of her phone number and she was deluged with calls (mostly from teenage girls). I've always had a place in my heart for Spirit in the Sky because of the association with Mrs. Greenbaum (the name we called her).
@bonniea8189
@bonniea8189 2 года назад
Haha I stayed in Malden when visiting Boston this year. I'd never have known where you were talking about if I hadn't
@mswriter3612
@mswriter3612 2 года назад
So cool
@FoodNerds
@FoodNerds 2 года назад
That’s awesome!
@LQOTW
@LQOTW 2 года назад
What an awesome connection to a classic rock hit!
@annirvin6555
@annirvin6555 Год назад
Wow!!! I love hearing things like this.
@tauniafemrite2963
@tauniafemrite2963 Год назад
I choked when I saw this title & INSTANTLY knew it was this song! I heard this literally my entire life! My mom actually blew out speakers to this! Promised we would play this at her funeral .. we did. RIP Mom!
@St.Linguini_of_Pesto
@St.Linguini_of_Pesto Год назад
She asked for an epic song.. smart woman. My condolences. 🥀
@_i_am_unceded
@_i_am_unceded Год назад
Truth
@jackvolta3489
@jackvolta3489 9 месяцев назад
God bless you and your mother.💪
@XaviClot
@XaviClot 9 месяцев назад
God bless you and your mom!
@tauniafemrite2963
@tauniafemrite2963 9 месяцев назад
@@XaviClot thank you! It was actually very befitting & very comforting for the family.
@Defmusicman1
@Defmusicman1 Год назад
I’m a deaf bassist and I’ve loved this song since I was a teenager in the 70’s. Later on when I was in my 40’s I learned to play bass and this song was one of the first ones I wanted to play. Still playing it now in my 60’s. I’m growing old but this song never will.
@rainabosworthf393
@rainabosworthf393 3 года назад
My husband loved this song &as his cancer progress, he listened to it every day. He always had tears in his eyes, l can't listen to it without seeing him like that I wish l could go back to when he was alive
@gunzmith29r
@gunzmith29r 3 года назад
he isnt dead...he is with the spirit in the sky waiting on you to join him.....but we sure do miss them bad when they get to go before us.
@gordonstroup882
@gordonstroup882 3 года назад
@@gunzmith29r that's because we, still here on Earth are selfish, we miss them so much. If we truly knew what awaits us, we would understand.
@lilmoe4364
@lilmoe4364 3 года назад
@Gordon Stroup and you of course know what awaits us? No one else knows, but you know? And at the same time you don't know better than to call a person who misses someone "selfish" ? Take your nonsense somewhere else
@trublgrl
@trublgrl 3 года назад
I know your support and love sustained him more than even this song. Be proud that you were a blessing in his life, and be grateful for the time you shared here. His tears are dry and he is whole again, and he is waiting to see you, in the place that's the best. ♥
@stephenbrown9909
@stephenbrown9909 3 года назад
I am sorry for your loss. I know it is hard at times. I lost both of my parents and other close people in my life. They want us to go forward in life and enjoy what we can.
@Suzanne6336
@Suzanne6336 2 года назад
Sang this to my Mom while she lay dying in 2001 from leukemia. I knew she was already going to the spirit in the sky. Loved my mom and this song, it remains my all time favorite. Thank you and Norman ❤️
@joshgeorge
@joshgeorge Год назад
I just played Spirit in the Sky at a wedding. I adore this song, but I’d never played it as a wedding DJ. But, someone came up and requested the song and I thought I’d give it a shot. The dance floor was suddenly PACKED.
@redelfshotthefood8213
@redelfshotthefood8213 Год назад
Some of the is due to scarcity. Some to nostalgia. Some to genius.
@RockinRobb
@RockinRobb Год назад
As a former radio DJ, I think another reason it hit so big is that it was timed perfectly. The Jesus Movement had started in the late 60s in California and soon, everyone was releasing "God Rock" songs. Norman's tune was not only had an awesome groove and sound, but came out at the beginning of that wave.
@redelfshotthefood8213
@redelfshotthefood8213 Год назад
And helped that wave to grow...
@SmileyMikey
@SmileyMikey 3 года назад
My saying: "You can make fun of a one-hit wonder, but he's got one more than you."
@gunzmith29r
@gunzmith29r 3 года назад
i love one hit wonders....they are usually awesome songs
@craigkowald3055
@craigkowald3055 3 года назад
Very true. I love one hit wonders. More important is if they get to live comfortably off the hit, then continue to contribute, whether in music or another endeavor.
@videogajima
@videogajima 3 года назад
I love one hit wonder
@gunslinger2566
@gunslinger2566 3 года назад
It's like making fun of someone for only winning the lottery once.
@SmileyMikey
@SmileyMikey 3 года назад
@@gunslinger2566 Damn right! :-)
@patriciabarkley735
@patriciabarkley735 2 года назад
When my friend passed away from cancer, he had already planned his funeral. Sitting in the church Spirit In The Sky started playing, and it took my breath away. Deep inside I felt the greatest joy. Another one he picked out that touched me deeply, and it was like Dennis was Lynyrd Skynyrd Simple Man. He was not a materialistic person. It was so touching, because it was definitely Dennis. Rest In Peace, Dennis. You are truly loved and missed!! ❤️🌹❤️
@MendocinoSpirits
@MendocinoSpirits Год назад
We went to the Old Crow Medicine Show concert in Santa Rosa, CA. this past July, and they sang Spirit in the Sky, and Norman was there!!! Sweet night. Glad he is still getting the recognition and love he deserves.
@ronnash8683
@ronnash8683 Год назад
I am here in Australia and I am 73. First time I heard Spirit, I was 21. I felt it was one of the best...and I still do.
@warrenoleary2168
@warrenoleary2168 8 месяцев назад
My father,; Walter O'Leary : spent 9 months in Brisbane in 1942 ; U.S.Army Air Corps . Then onto Port Moresby for the balance of W.W. II !
@michelleboots4093
@michelleboots4093 2 года назад
We just played this at my sister's funeral this week. It was so wonderful when the young nieces and nephews sang along with it. Sis would have absolutely loved that !
@fvrrljr
@fvrrljr 2 года назад
my kids know this is what i played at my funeral too
@jodidavis6595
@jodidavis6595 2 года назад
That’s beautiful
@charlesseymour1482
@charlesseymour1482 2 года назад
Wow nice
@chas.fournet1087
@chas.fournet1087 2 года назад
@@fvrrljr... YOU.. played this at YOUR funeral ... ALREADY?
@fvrrljr
@fvrrljr 2 года назад
@@chas.fournet1087 JES 👍 still kicking bro. i see that grammarly i missed a word "want" or can play The Stripper 😆
@jaakpotts
@jaakpotts 2 года назад
You can’t hear this song without being moved. To call it “timeless” would be a massive understatement ❤️
@terencerucker3244
@terencerucker3244 Год назад
In 1970, with my parents permission, I joined the Columbia Record Club and the first Album they sent me was "Spirit in the Sky" I loved it. The sound was so unique. I still have it.
@ethereal_333
@ethereal_333 10 месяцев назад
My mom always loved this song. She passed in 2019. Now when I hear this song, I of course think of her. And I cry. Music has the power to move so much. And this is one of those songs.
@hunnybutt1966
@hunnybutt1966 3 года назад
"Spirit in The Sky" Was the song my wife requested to play out her memorial service. It was one of her favorite songs, and when it queued up you could hear the shocked gasps of her more religiously conservative family members. She was very much a free spirit, and did things her own way. I think of her every time I hear this song and smile.
@ellenmay88
@ellenmay88 2 года назад
I’m so glad you did as she requested, you really honoured her memory and made her memorial service personal to her as an individual, which is how they should be. Music is a great way to do that. I’m so sorry for your loss, she sounds a wonderful person, I hope you’re doing ok xx
@hunnybutt1966
@hunnybutt1966 2 года назад
@@ellenmay88 Thank you. yes she was wonderful both as a wife, a mother and in general.
@thegeekyelf
@thegeekyelf 2 года назад
That is so loving, thank you for sharing x
@kingofallwhites
@kingofallwhites 2 года назад
@@hunnybutt1966 You’re a great husband.
@barbrarosebarbrarose
@barbrarosebarbrarose 2 года назад
Ha! Kindred spirits!! I long ago decided the exact same thing-that I want this song played as they carry my casket out of the church. And yes, all of those stick in the mud family members can gasp, but I hope the pall bearers will dance a little on the way out. That song gives me such joy that no matter what I’m doing when I hear it, I’ll stop, crank it up and dance if I can.
@starkey2501
@starkey2501 3 года назад
I was in VIETNAM, when Spirit in Sky was first released. After 51 years I still get chills allover me when I hear the song. I love this song. Thank You Mr. Norman Greenbaum. Way Cool..
@Ozarkprepper643
@Ozarkprepper643 2 года назад
👍 I also brother thank you for your service.
@marylougeorge9890
@marylougeorge9890 2 года назад
Thank you for your service! 💖
@lsgiron
@lsgiron 2 года назад
Star Key, thanks for your service, I know lots of folk who were in Nam too, I appreciate you all
@duncanhill4326
@duncanhill4326 2 года назад
Thank you for your service Sir!
@roseharrington315
@roseharrington315 2 года назад
Thank you, Sir!
@PianoMan-hx3ev
@PianoMan-hx3ev Год назад
All this incredible magic in the 70’s, 80’s and even some of the 90’s. Where has all that magic gone nowadays?
@TS-wh4ey
@TS-wh4ey Год назад
'Where Have All The Good Times Gone' ( VH )
@PianoMan-hx3ev
@PianoMan-hx3ev Год назад
@@TS-wh4ey It’s like musical IQ has dropped significantly. (And maybe everywhere else, too.) It’s sad.
@TS-wh4ey
@TS-wh4ey Год назад
@@PianoMan-hx3ev I was a teenager in the 70s. It was all about muscle cars equipped with 8track players and those powered up 6 by 9 speakers blasting away all the latest great rock music that kept coming week after week. Going to concerts to see your favorite bands and outdoor parties like the movie Dazed And Confused. All I need now is a time machine and a ticket to ride. They can transport me back to the front seat of my 427 and leave me right there. 😄
@PianoMan-hx3ev
@PianoMan-hx3ev Год назад
@@TS-wh4ey I was a baby and little kid at the time, but I somehow remember much of then80’s too. I’m with you in that time machine!! 👍
@BalthazarMyrrh70
@BalthazarMyrrh70 Год назад
Consider the artistic accomplishments of the ancients... also gone from the world. As society declines, we lose great art.
@maryjeanjones7569
@maryjeanjones7569 Год назад
The absolute best song ever. Even while driving and it comes on the radio, it makes you want to pull over, get out and dance. Never ever tire of this One Hit Wonder.
@mikebrase5161
@mikebrase5161 3 года назад
My Mom, Ill always remember this song because of AM radio riding around in the backseat of my moms Chevelle with her singing along. The 70's were a pretty good time to be a kid.
@BigJack1
@BigJack1 3 года назад
The 70's was a pretty good time to be a young adult, too. 😁❤
@Rev22-21
@Rev22-21 3 года назад
You're right about that.
@paulhunt4690
@paulhunt4690 3 года назад
And a teenager!
@mrchrislatino
@mrchrislatino 3 года назад
Wow, I have similar memories from the 60's (I was born in '58) cruising in my Mother's Mustang Convertible belting out AM top 40 songs at the top of our lungs. For me the 70's was a great time to be a teenager.
@onthegasser
@onthegasser 3 года назад
I can really relate Mike only my Mom had a big block 69 GTO with an 8 track many great memories taking trips from LA to Blackfoot to visit her sister and songs like this and CSNY so far album uplifting music that sticks to your ribs. Kids today are unbelievably deprived
@Sharonnecs
@Sharonnecs 2 года назад
I still LOVE "Spirit in the sky"...everytime it plays I turn the volume up.
@kansascityshuffle8526
@kansascityshuffle8526 Год назад
I play this song back to back with going up the country. The two songs always jived together for me.
@dayzey40
@dayzey40 Год назад
I've always loved this song, since I was a kid...Now that I'm older and born again, I love it even more. When I used to go to the clubs, they would play it as a rock song and everyone would get up and dance...
@kentuckygirl9752
@kentuckygirl9752 2 года назад
My dad introduced me to so much great music but "Spirit in the Sky" has always been a favorite. Dad could sing but he rarely would. He made an exception for this song and I have great memories of the two of us belting out this tune. Dad recently passed away so those memories and "Spirit in the Sky" are even more special to me now❤
@s.marcus3669
@s.marcus3669 Год назад
My condolences to you on your father's passing; it's really nice that you have such nice memories of him...
@candido7491
@candido7491 Год назад
I'm sincerely sorry that your dad is no longer physically there with you - to belt out " Spirit In The Sky " with you. If I were of a less secular and more poetic nature I'd venture to write a song about how your great memories of him are his spirit visiting you from the sky to sing with you again and again... and in doing so softening or maybe even disappearing your pain at the loss of his physical presence. Some songs will always gladden or heal ( or both ) - hearts that hurt for the loss of a loved one. " Spirit In The Sky " - and " My Sweet Lord " - by George Harrison - are in my opinion as a person having ever - aspired to be remembered as - ( at least ) - a " one- song-wonder " - myself - two of the best songs that do just that.
@alanjones8358
@alanjones8358 Год назад
The first song I danced to. In 1973.
@krs5115
@krs5115 Год назад
My neighbor had a parrot who loved this song that's how you know s a good one
@sammartinez4244
@sammartinez4244 Год назад
@@alanjones8358 CCR Suzie Q, was a hit as well.
@scottburton9701
@scottburton9701 3 года назад
"Spirit In The Sky" is a bonafide classic-Never get tired of it!
@ProfessorofRock
@ProfessorofRock 3 года назад
Agree 100%. Thank you for watching!
@johnseibertjr.9842
@johnseibertjr.9842 3 года назад
I appreciate your need for income, but I subscribed to learn and remember. Too many commercials already. First 1, then 2… Next week 3?
@jen_alanfromchicago53
@jen_alanfromchicago53 3 года назад
Somebody has to pay for your free entertainment.
@johnseibertjr.9842
@johnseibertjr.9842 3 года назад
@@jen_alanfromchicago53 Nope. It won’t be my free entertainment. I unsubscribed. Tell me, Oh Smart One…. How many commercials would be ‘too many’?
@jen_alanfromchicago53
@jen_alanfromchicago53 3 года назад
I can't say, they don't bother me. I usually read comments during commercials so as not to be distracted during the episode. Skip button appears after 5sec. so have you tried that?
@Sheerkat7
@Sheerkat7 2 года назад
There's a vid on here of Norman singing it at a festival in San Fran 3 years ago. He's still out there and sounded great. God bless him.
@debracisneroshhp2827
@debracisneroshhp2827 Год назад
@Sheerkat7, SUPAH! 🙏😇✨💫💖🙌😺
@bradscottbutler
@bradscottbutler Год назад
I live off of the street Norman had his accident on. I was on my boat that day at our local lake listening to spirit in the sky the day he was in the accident. Was so glad he survived. One of my favorite tunes. Thank you Norman!
@davidsams2190
@davidsams2190 2 года назад
I'm 74 and when my wife and I are in the car and "Spirit in the Sky" comes on the radio, we open the windows and "crank up the radio". You are absolutely right, "Spirit in the Sky" should be in all hymnals. Thank you, Norman.
@k1ng401
@k1ng401 2 года назад
Haha it’s that sort of song
@skirk248
@skirk248 2 года назад
It can't be because it's an actual good song
@tannertuner
@tannertuner 2 года назад
As far as in a hymnal, some of the lyrics don’t really line up with most Christian doctrine, even though it mentions Jesus. It’s almost like a parody, maybe like he was high and listening to a gospel song and was poking fun at it
@tomwilson2112
@tomwilson2112 2 года назад
@@skirk248 There are some fantastic hymns… the problem is that they’re normally played and sung poorly. I’ve heard songs taken straight out of a hymnal and performed by good musicians that will make you cry, they sound so good.
@muffs55mercury61
@muffs55mercury61 2 года назад
Good for you both. Never too old to rock.
@MarcoLemmetti
@MarcoLemmetti 2 года назад
Coming from a guy that was born in the late 70’s, I missed out on the mid 60’s rock era. I was still very much influenced by 60’s and 70’s rock as I was growing up though. Man, they don’t make that music like they use to. It was so raw with so much melody and soul!
@jastransutube
@jastransutube 2 года назад
This was one of John Lennon's favorite songs. I seem to recall him saying in an interview that he loved the raw rock groove of it.
@louiesimon5292
@louiesimon5292 Год назад
The groove is similar to Instant Karma . . .
@trysometruth
@trysometruth Год назад
@@louiesimon5292 Wow, great point! - Lennon stated in a Rolling Stone interview that he enjoyed Sprit in the Sky. Instant Karma was recorded and released very soon after the release of Spirit in the Sky, and yeah, it's the same beat. Ha ha!
@kennethrussell1158
@kennethrussell1158 Год назад
Steve, it reminds me of a John Lennon song
@cyndifoore7743
@cyndifoore7743 2 года назад
I love this song! I was 15 in 1969 and grew up with so much awesome music, Spirit in the Sky was and still is an amazing song!
@jodyjackson5475
@jodyjackson5475 2 года назад
Me too!! Such rich music we had to enjoy then!!
@GaiaOne
@GaiaOne 3 года назад
I don't give a damn that this was a "one hit wonder." When it's this good, it blows other stuff out of the water. This will be as fresh in a hundred years as it was the day it dropped.
@francescopelle2347
@francescopelle2347 3 года назад
Why do we associate “One Hit Wonder” as a negative. I have never heard or read 1 bad comment when recalling those hits. Just a lot of love and wonder, I guess they made us feel that we too had a chance to shine . 1 moment of brilliance remembered for all time
@FirewindII
@FirewindII 2 года назад
@@francescopelle2347 The term always reflects back on the reviewer. Think about it.
@jackvolta3489
@jackvolta3489 2 года назад
One hit wonders are just that never are they negative! But more a wonder because that's all it took for them to become an instant icon, its actually brilliant write one song & live the rest of your life from it.
@flstffatboy3910
@flstffatboy3910 2 года назад
Absolutely correct it is so badass It will continue to have the same affect on anybody who listens to it for the first time even 50 years from now it’s just too catchy the lyrics are beautiful
@FirewindII
@FirewindII 2 года назад
@Rob Mintz Hey hey hey...
@zyffyr
@zyffyr 3 года назад
"One hit wonder" is infinitely better than no success ever. Especially when that one hit is something as amazing and enduring as this song is.
@terencejay8845
@terencejay8845 3 года назад
'Better to be a 'has-been' than a 'never-was'.
@danielfronc4304
@danielfronc4304 3 года назад
@@terencejay8845 This is true.
@Kari.F.
@Kari.F. 3 года назад
I couldn't agree more with you if I tried! People who have contributed with one fantastic, classic novel, or one invention that massively contributed to the betterment of people's lives are never belittled with condescending terms like "one hit wonders". The composers of these one hit wonders that have transcended generations made their lasting mark on pop/rock music history. I'm sure the money trickling into the bank account decade after decade makes it easier to take the sulky, petty jabs from the "never was, couldn't be" critics. I had never heard "Spirit in the sky" before Dr. and the Medics covered it, but I was hooked a few lines in. I still can't hear that song without getting a major boost to my mood and energy level. I have no idea how many hours I have spent exercising and dancing to this song over the years. It's fantastic!
@terencejay8845
@terencejay8845 3 года назад
@@Kari.F. Jona Lewie released 'Stop The Cavalry' in 1978 in the UK. Because it's seen as a Christmas song, every year it gets masses of air-play. I would think he's made a very comfortable living off that one song. (He also did 'Kitchen at Parties', which is one of my favourites). In the film 'About a Boy', the Hugh Grant character lives off the royalties from his father's hit Christmas song.
@alanlight7740
@alanlight7740 3 года назад
My attitude too. One big hit is more than most musicians will ever have. Appreciate it if it happens. I'm also reminded of John McCrae, whose poem "In Flanders Fields" is perhaps one of the finest poems ever written, and will probably still be read a thousand years from now (if humanity lasts that long). I've seen his other poems, and calling them mediocre would be a compliment. But he hit one out of the park - and that may be a greater accomplishment than many of his otherwise better accomplished contemporaries ever achieved.
@jeanvignes
@jeanvignes Год назад
In 1969 I turned 13 and I remember us not being able to sit still when "Spirit in the Sky" came on the radio. If we could we would jump up and start dancing. If we were riding in a car, we'd start singing along, harmonizing, dancing & clapping in our seats. It was irresistible. If I may add some important social context: in the years leading up to 1969-1970 the Vietnam war was raging and young people were inundated by photos and news clips of people our age or just a little bit older being killed or maimed in that war. The themes in the lyrics of Spirit in the Sky felt like an anti-war protest to us, because we were supposed to pretend that everything was fine, when it quite obviously was not fine. Anything that referenced death, dying, the afterlife, etc. was strongly associated with our older brothers, cousins, and friends being sent home in body bags from thousands of miles away due to a very controversial war. Contrast the gritty sound of Spirit in the Sky with the cloying Sugar-Sugar by the Archies, and you can perhaps understand why it felt and was perceived as rebellious to grimly watch documentary footage of Vietnam with Spirit in the Sky cranked up in the background.
@EPA18
@EPA18 Год назад
Sugar sugar is one of the best pop songs of the 60s.
@warrenoleary2168
@warrenoleary2168 8 месяцев назад
Jesus ; the promised Messiah of the Old Testament was pro-love & peace only .
@ronlee2606
@ronlee2606 2 года назад
I was about 13 when this song came out. Loved it ever since. About 15 years ago(maybe longer)I decided to look him up online. His site had a contact button so I said what the heck. I sent him an email asking about the fuzz tone on the song. He replied saying "how did you find me?" Then explained that the fuzz was an onboard custom one and talked more about how the song was recorded. I lost the email since then but wish I still had it. He seems like a nice guy.
@DickTruth
@DickTruth 2 года назад
I used to work in a restaurant in Sonoma County, CA, and Norman was a regular. Super nice guy. His album "Petaluma" is named after the town I was born in. He told me if I ever found a copy, he'd sign it for me.
@dianahowell4011
@dianahowell4011 Год назад
I'm a native Petaluman!!!!!!
@dionst.michael1482
@dionst.michael1482 10 месяцев назад
Sweet!
@lamp8112
@lamp8112 2 года назад
Great story! I always loved that song. As a child of the 70's I miss those days of radio and records. It was an enormously musically creative time.
@blueforest2927
@blueforest2927 2 года назад
1970's....best decade in my opinion...at least in western massachusetts ! !
@BeSmarterFaster
@BeSmarterFaster Год назад
Wow. I was a Senior in high school when Norman had his hit. Was instantly captivated by that distorted guitar and the feedback echo repeats. I learned more about this song and the artist from your video than in all the previous decades. Thank you. I really enjoyed your extremely well-written presentation.
@j.s.c.4355
@j.s.c.4355 Год назад
I went to high school with Norman’s son in the late 80’s. I was stunned to hear that our track buddy’s dad wrote that song. Seemed like I was more impressed than he was, though.
@llamasugar5478
@llamasugar5478 2 года назад
It’s an enduring favorite because it makes people happy. That’s a worthwhile accomplishment,
@donnerdonner315
@donnerdonner315 3 года назад
My mom LOVED this song! She always said that she wanted it played at her funeral. Sadly she passed away on 11-11-2002 and it was one of 3 songs we played for her as she requested (the other 2 being Elvis songs...she LOVED her some Elvis!). Nearly 20 years later, when this song comes on the radio, I know she's with me and it makes me smile!!! Thank you for this wonderful look at a great classic tune!!! It truly is ⚡"BOTTLED LIGHTNING"⚡!!!
@pilsplease7561
@pilsplease7561 2 года назад
My mom was older when she had me, she was from the hippie generation ran off during the whole chaos that was going on during that time and met her first husband who was a drug addict and etc, most people dont know that about my mom that she did do drugs when she was youunger and then cleaned up her act and was in the Air Force for a while. She died at a relatively young age as well sadly.
@mjzacchea2888
@mjzacchea2888 2 года назад
I'm sorry for your loss, but your mother must have been a wonderful woman. I don't know if you believe in numerology, but the date 11-11-2002 are phenomenally important. And Spirt in the Sky to be played at her funeral? She has ascended. No doubt in my mind.
@mjzacchea2888
@mjzacchea2888 2 года назад
It's on my list at my going away event...I want everyone up and clapping
@donnerdonner315
@donnerdonner315 2 года назад
@@mjzacchea2888 WOW...Thank you so much! Yes...my Mom was the best!!! Numerology and Astrology are very interesting...so I know she is watching from "up above"! Being that she was a Leo...there's no doubt my "ferocious" mama was gonna go anywhere else...LOL!!!
@mjzacchea2888
@mjzacchea2888 2 года назад
@@donnerdonner315 yes Truth! She ascended. Do not let your heart be troubled. Love and Light to you and yours, fellow pilgrim
@jeanieruter7416
@jeanieruter7416 10 месяцев назад
I so agree! I always felt that this is the BEST one hit wonder of the 70's... or ever! Thanks for the story. Norman Greenbaum is one cool dude. 😎❤
@dennisvaleriefleming9998
@dennisvaleriefleming9998 Год назад
Loved this song when it first came out and I was a young aspiring guitarist. The fuzzy, gritty guitar sound hooked me. In recent years, I was playing in a gospel blues band and we did our own version of it. Always a crowd pleaser. I also read a while back about how Norman Greenbaum has been financially supported by this song throughout his life. Good for him!
@colinturner4158
@colinturner4158 2 года назад
It’s a huge one hit wonder still sung by millions today and loved by millions
@gomclain
@gomclain 2 года назад
"I've never been a sinner, I never sinned" is actually part of the gospel in that Christ took our place as sinners so we could take his righteousness, as though we never sinned (2 Cor. 5:21). I was 10 in 1970, not a Christian, but this song gave Christ street credibility, worthy of my ears. Thanks Norman, I needed that.
@DelmarPeet
@DelmarPeet 2 года назад
Accurate
@sherrimiller5258
@sherrimiller5258 Год назад
The issue was with “I’ve never”. We were all sinners before we accepted the gift of righteousness through Christ. I get what you mean though. 🙂
@sherrimiller5258
@sherrimiller5258 Год назад
I’ve always loved this song.
@intercommerce
@intercommerce Год назад
@@sherrimiller5258 I wasn't. The notion that babies are born sinners is absurd..
@dayzey40
@dayzey40 Год назад
@@intercommerce you must not know what the Holy Bible says about MAN...We are born sinners, because of the fall in the garden, and at the fall we were alienated from GOD. GOD could not have anything to do with MAN, because GOD is Holy and could not have anything to do with sinful man,. So GOD sent Jesus to bring our spirit back to our creator GOD, So that we could commune with GOD again. READ YOUR BIBLE. prayerfully, Genesis the first chapters to the fall of man and then skip to The Gospel of John, (and read carefully the first chapter of John) but read all of the gospel of John...Or all of the gospels.
@donnafitzpatrick4379
@donnafitzpatrick4379 Год назад
As a teenager of the mid sixties I remember hearing it for the first time, it was a mind altering experience and it still hits me the same way today.
@randyevans5407
@randyevans5407 Год назад
Great video about a great song. Yes, as a recently retired Christian pastor, I always had some difficulty with the line "Never been a sinner I never sinned", but you covered that well....and I never let that keep me from crankin' up that song! Thanks so much for this 'enlightening' episode! And of course, God bless!
@lowstryder1022
@lowstryder1022 3 года назад
Love this song. That fuzz box makes this song eternally iconic!
@itekani
@itekani 2 года назад
A friend from back in primary school loved this song. We were hanging out sometimes when we were teenagers, and one night I was driving his car which he bought even though he didn't get a licence yet. I must have heard that song fifty times that night! When we were going home, the car started sputtering and died. Started again, died, and kept doing that. The battery got flat, and we had to push-start the car, but I couldn't keep it going. My licence-less friend, who was also a bit drunk, then took the wheel instead and me and another mate who was riding had to push start it again. Once it started, we had to jump on the back of the car, because if he didn't keep it going, it would die. So we made it, the last kilometers to his house, riding on the back of the car under the stars on a deserted road in the middle of the night, all while Spirit In The Sky was blasting on the stereo! That was about 30 years ago. Then life happend and we didn't hang out much after that summer. We used to bump into each other sometimes, as you do. He had kids early, I didn't. Then out of the blue, about five years ago, I got the sad news that he committed suicide. So this song reminds me of him, both that summer, but also the day I heard he passed away.
@ronmurphy5042
@ronmurphy5042 Год назад
That has to be one of my favorite episodes ever....my story is that my step son is only 29 but includes this great song on his Playlist....Norman your work is alive and well and will be played for many generations....you have made history and left us all a legacy of Love!!!!
@petermontagnon4440
@petermontagnon4440 Год назад
Always brings a tear to my eyes when I hear this amazing song!!!!
@YukonDemon
@YukonDemon 2 года назад
The first time I heard this song was the Dr. And the Medics version. My dad heard it and said "Oh! That's a remake of a Norman Greenbaum song!" And then the first time I heard the original and that gritty, fuzzy guitar hook, it grabbed me like nothing else. Still one of my favorites some 35 years later.
@trinity0844
@trinity0844 2 года назад
First time I ever heard the song was in the Republic of Viet Nam, just after a firefight at khe Sanh. We all figured we would be meeting the "SPIRIT IN THE SKY" pretty soon, was one of our favorite songs!
@bluequirk5384
@bluequirk5384 2 года назад
@@trinity0844 hey Michael Thank you for your service and risking everything. An Australian band Cold Chisel has a great song called Khe Shan . Great song and a great band . Also another Aussie band Red Gum ( named after a tree) their song Only 19 is about a viet vet . My uncle survived too but my older brother is in care because of the trauma. Take care and enjoy
@roseandtomseeney1156
@roseandtomseeney1156 Год назад
One of best songs
@dixietenbroeck8717
@dixietenbroeck8717 Год назад
I had always thought that sound came from an overlooked, hard plastic pick, woven through the strings at the sound box end! Probably not, but that's what it reminds me of. 😄🎼🎸🎶🎷😉
@ramongolden2157
@ramongolden2157 2 года назад
I was nine years old when this song hit the airwaves for the first time, and I was an instant fan. To this day, 51 years later, every time it plays on the radio, I crank it up as loud as I can stand it and just rock out and sing at the top of my lungs. Probably my all time favorite song of all genres.
@1927su
@1927su 2 года назад
I was 10 when I did my rhythmic gymnastics routine to this song! Great memories!
@bruceworrall6231
@bruceworrall6231 2 года назад
Same!
@lookyloo1000
@lookyloo1000 2 года назад
I'm sorry for your condition Ramon 😥 🤣😂🤣
@wendylm4770
@wendylm4770 2 года назад
Me too!! My sister and I played it over and over on our portable record player in an orange box!
@1927su
@1927su 2 года назад
@@wendylm4770 omg I got that orange record player for Christmas! Lol! Those were the days! I listened to the top 40 countdown on a floor model tube radio from the 40’s!
@CS-rx7sf
@CS-rx7sf 8 месяцев назад
I love this story so much❤Yes, Norman Greenbaum was Jewish, but let’s not forget that Jesus was also a Jew. God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. God used Norman Greenbaum for His glory. Norman Greenbaum understood the assignment. The line “Never been a sinner, I never sinned” brings me joy and peace. This song is about having a personal relationship with Jesus, not about being perfect and never having any sin. When Jesus died on the cross, our sins were 💯forgiven. This is one of my favorite Professor of Rock videos - Thank you for the lesson!!!🙏
@pammymusic4ever
@pammymusic4ever Год назад
As a 5 year old this song was one of my favorites. I wasn't a church going child but I loved Jesus. This song gave me a special feeling and I knew when I died and they laid me to rest, I was going to go to the place that's the best! It was pure and from the heart. When my best friend died 5 years ago, we played this song as we left the church. She would have loved it. It was perfect. I will probably have it played at my funeral one day. I want to be recommended to the spirit in the sky. ✨️
@bettywest8191
@bettywest8191 3 года назад
73 years old, still rockin' to this hit.
@peacedove9513
@peacedove9513 2 года назад
Class of 66 ✊✊🏼✊🏿
@rickheagerty9373
@rickheagerty9373 2 года назад
Rock on!!
@marylougeorge9890
@marylougeorge9890 2 года назад
Way Cool!!! 70 yrs old here.✌
@juliochavez7161
@juliochavez7161 2 года назад
@@peacedove9513 Me too class of 66.
@karenthesheepgirl1909
@karenthesheepgirl1909 2 года назад
Me too and I still LOVE this song.
@ramonasmith5893
@ramonasmith5893 2 года назад
I have a friend who said this song came on the radio the night her mother died. It’s always been near her heart.
@bevy3314
@bevy3314 Год назад
I was 12 in 1970 and I fell in love with Spirit in the Sky the first time I heard it. I've never turned it off before listening to it in its entirety. I've been late for work bc you just don't ignore Spirit in the Sky. I just got goosebumps when the first line was played here. Definitely one of my all time favorites.
@waynebooker498
@waynebooker498 3 месяца назад
I found his website a long time ago and sent him a quick email through the website, and he responded with a gracious and funny reply. What a great guy, I've always loved this song.
@lforr9355
@lforr9355 2 года назад
It was number 1 when my mum turned 21 and it is her all time favourite song. I’ve heard it so many times in my life and it never gets old. And I love the story that he’s comfortable with being known as a one hit wonder - if your one hit is that utter magic, you don’t need to worry about anything else.
@blindshiva2826
@blindshiva2826 2 года назад
The Professor of Rock really does rock. What a great job transporting us to through the glorious music of our lives. Thanks
@michaelsalisbury1477
@michaelsalisbury1477 2 года назад
Tiffany an Debbie Gibson are NOT Rock!!!!!!!
@michaelgallagher3640
@michaelgallagher3640 2 года назад
Professor of Pop
@pariahpokemonwesbragg2904
@pariahpokemonwesbragg2904 Год назад
@@michaelsalisbury1477 even pop artists like that have ties to studio musicians, songwriters, producers, etc that have major/important roles in other bands and musicians history. As "the Professor of Rock", Adam does an incredible job and has brought so much info and tidbits for us to learn. I wouldn't want to watch anybody else do these vids. But yeah, those poppy hits mattered to the history of music, whether you or I like them or not.
@randy5880
@randy5880 Год назад
Agree POR is a professor for real. Learn so much here. Casey would be proud.
@lawrencehaley1084
@lawrencehaley1084 Год назад
You don't really think about how big a movie song this is till you hear it again. It keeps coming back and it's not like most one hits you burned out on. Great job .
@ghostmagnet814
@ghostmagnet814 Год назад
I was 7 when I first heard Spirit in the Sky as I was walking into the planetarium. It truly spoke to my soul with that fuzzy guitar riff and I will never forget that feeling, like the sound of a Harley accelerating, or the rumble of an idling dragster at the starting gate. Sounds that imprint in a primal way that feels like home. It made me cry.
@aufornvic
@aufornvic 2 года назад
The first moment I heard this song I loved it. I never get sick of hearing it. OHWs are some of the best songs you will ever hear in your life. When they nail it, it's done.
@riogarrideli2451
@riogarrideli2451 2 года назад
Yes, same with song,”Betty Davis Eyes”.
@philipethier9136
@philipethier9136 2 года назад
@@riogarrideli2451 Yeah. The original BDE is pretty-forgettable, but the cover was MADE by the synth riff.
@conniewrightsman9122
@conniewrightsman9122 2 года назад
I've loved this jam forever and I'm ecstatic to know that Norman is still earning money from this great song!
@Mardoer
@Mardoer 7 месяцев назад
When I was as a teenager in Canada in the 70s, whenever they played this at the roller rink, everyone went out to skate and thrill to the fast pace and excitement of this song. Still love it every time I hear it played! Thanks!
@PeterRichardsandYoureNot
@PeterRichardsandYoureNot 2 года назад
To me a “one hit wonder” is when an artist has discovered their true calling for being on earth. It brings sooo much joy to so many….sometimes bringing pain later in the pop media process from over play…. But either way, many are affected, en-passioned and inspired.
@wildbill7081
@wildbill7081 3 года назад
i am a 70 year old guy living in the Philippines and watching this and giving me all my old memeories of this great song and I enjoy watching all your videos you have a very good understanding of Rock n Roll and you also are great at telling the story behind the songs and musicians.............Thank You for not getting more bored over here
@doctorrobert60
@doctorrobert60 2 года назад
When this song came out I was attending University of California, Irvine. One of my biology professors was named Dr. Greenbaum. At the start of one of my classes in large lecture hall he played this song loudly. Afterward he stated never forget I am the spirit in the sky and I see all that all of you do. It is a great memory that stays with me to this day.
@latoyapalmer9135
@latoyapalmer9135 2 года назад
Wow I wish I was around in the 60s,70s,80s or early90s in college seems it was good time. Born in the wrong generation Millennial
@sonofacheron
@sonofacheron 2 года назад
This guy is the real deal. Genuinely insightful and interesting. Please keep up the good work - we live in a cultural, spiritual and musical wasteland. We need the memories of better times to nourish our famished lives. What once was will come again
@biondna7984
@biondna7984 Год назад
I'm spiritual, not particularly Christian. But from the first time I heard that rasping chord progression, I was hooked. It remains hauntingly beautiful to me. One other "one-hit" jewel for me is Thunderclap Newman's "Something in the Air." It's another majestic, hope-inspiring song.
@MrJoeybabe25
@MrJoeybabe25 3 года назад
Greenbaum has been quoted as saying, "Spirit In The Sky" sounds as fresh today as when it was recorded. I’ve gotten letters from funeral directors telling me that it's their second-most-requested song to play at memorial services, next to 'Danny Boy'."
@user-gy9iw6id1n
@user-gy9iw6id1n 3 года назад
"I can Only Imagine" is up there now too!
@marionrosannaanna4590
@marionrosannaanna4590 2 года назад
Joe, everyone wants to know why you’re getting letters from funeral directors!
@MrJoeybabe25
@MrJoeybabe25 2 года назад
@@marionrosannaanna4590 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@stacydevereaux-
@stacydevereaux- 2 года назад
This is gonna be my song at my funeral! For sure
@fuzzybutkus3951
@fuzzybutkus3951 2 года назад
“ Closer to home” Grand Funk R.R. and if your not in a big hurry “I’m your Captain” a great intro. Those two are heard uhhhhhhalot at funerals here in Mich.A buddy has been in the business since he was 18. He says those are the go to alot.
@terryevans1976
@terryevans1976 2 года назад
He lives in Santa Rosa, CA. I’ve seen him pull up”Spirit in the Sky” on the jukebox at one of the local restaurants. Just enjoying his own creation.
@MikeMarquez
@MikeMarquez 2 года назад
My fav song of his is “Petaluma.” I thought he lived in Sebastopol.
@Marcel_Audubon
@Marcel_Audubon 2 года назад
that's sort of a sad image
@MrSnead-vp1ll
@MrSnead-vp1ll 2 года назад
Funny. Most people I know don't want to hear their own, but I say great for him! We all don't have that one song in the juke box.
@Marcel_Audubon
@Marcel_Audubon 2 года назад
@domicile ubiquitis "the login spoonfuls" tee hee!
@robsanz9746
@robsanz9746 2 года назад
Hey...I live in Santa Rosa! 😯 What restaurant could you be talking about? We have a cuppla dive bars here w/ jukeboxes, but can't really think of any restaurants...🤔
@HBLADY
@HBLADY 8 месяцев назад
I've loved this song since day one. And the best way to listen to it is LOUD! Thank you, Norman, for a timeless and uplifting classic.
@jane364
@jane364 Год назад
Terrific, get the chills every time I hear it. So happy to know the history now. I guess what Norman did to this song is indescribable and still wonderful. 🙏
@m4xfl4xst4r
@m4xfl4xst4r 3 года назад
The first time I heard the song was a moment when I really needed to hear the song. I cried and I'm still here to say so. Thank you Norman.
@tedchampagne6398
@tedchampagne6398 2 года назад
The world's only fuzz-tone boogie spiritual. Love it.
@jeanvignes
@jeanvignes Год назад
Yep. Cranked up, you can practically feel the mechanics of that ancient guitar vibrating your back teeth. Ha! It was not the dulcet organ music common in our local Catholic church in the late '60's.
@stevenikitas8170
@stevenikitas8170 Год назад
One of my most favorite songs of all time. It came out when I was in high school.
@ClariceAust
@ClariceAust Год назад
I'm from the original generation that heard it when it came out. Yeah, it's a great track, alright. When I was 28 and in a very dire place, I had an out-of-body encounter with the amazing and Very Real Jesus. He lifted me right out of that terrible place. No question there's magic attached to this song.
@timmmahhhh
@timmmahhhh 3 года назад
There is truly something magical about the quality of that fuzzbox that makes the song come off sounding like a hippie revival. That's wild that nobody including Norman himself has been able to replicate it.
@Bacpakin
@Bacpakin 2 года назад
Maybe he had a little "help".
@mysecond8581
@mysecond8581 2 года назад
@@Bacpakin As many others are noting here, the "I never sinned" aspect of the Gospel message is entirely on point. I suspect "The Spirit in the Sky" may have added a divine "tweak" to their setup also... quite a testimony if you think about it....
@janicebernhardt6574
@janicebernhardt6574 2 года назад
Kentucky Headhunters had a good cover on this also!
@pcallas66
@pcallas66 2 года назад
I'm wondering if the guitar was plugged directly into the console and they drove the input into distortion by turning up the trim pot. Great story.
@andrews.2165
@andrews.2165 2 года назад
There is a guy on you tube that was trying to figure out how to replicate the tone. His best guess is that nobody can replicate the sound because the battery in the pedal was almost dead which adds a unique tone. He got a similar pedal and used a variable voltage that he could lower the voltage until it was barely powered on. That sounded really close
@AJCsr
@AJCsr 2 года назад
Spirit In The Sky came out when I was ten years old and I fell immediately in love with the song ! I tell my kids all the time, that my generation has produced a lot of the best music ever. There have been so many great bands. Spirit In The Sky has remained one of my all time favorite songs. Every time I here it, it reminds me of a much simpler time, when I was a carefree kid, who knew that when he dies, he's going to go up to the spirit in the sky ! ❤
@wagniak
@wagniak 2 года назад
My kids are 80's kids and they actually love classics from my era most of the time even more than the music from their own era. Cuz it was just GOOD.
@slomo1716
@slomo1716 Год назад
Professor YOU are mind blowing! I LOVED this song in my youth, what a great song. You are an amazing storyteller! The Spirit in the Sky was the force behind the success of this song. Thank you so very much for your channel, I cannot get enough of you.
@BrendaBruce-bl3hm
@BrendaBruce-bl3hm 7 месяцев назад
Today is 11/30/23 and I've loved this song since the first time I heard it! Im 65 yrs old, still rocking with the Rock of ages, I posted this song on my facebook profile with pictures of my children, grandchildren and myself. I believe God used it to show people that He is the King of rock and no one can top Him! Hes still using it to bless millions still today. I'm sure Norman has figured out that it was all God. I hope we keep on rocking with the Holy Spirit till we meet in the sky! God bless you and yours and Merry Christmas❤😃🙏
@buckijunki8167
@buckijunki8167 3 года назад
We were running late to a funeral for a dear friend when this song came on the radio. It fit him and his legacy that now whenever we hear this song we always think of Jim. Love your videos.
@sarahbenson5970
@sarahbenson5970 3 года назад
A close friend had it played at her funeral. You could feel the whole church rockin and tapping their feet! The hubby and I dance together every time it comes on! ❤️
@willareeneacealbertini975
@willareeneacealbertini975 Месяц назад
How fun to get to see him. It was a turn up the radio and sing loud. God bless him. Thank you for finding him. ❤
@peka__
@peka__ 2 года назад
I've been hearing the song song since my childhood in the 70s - and it never quite clicked with me. I always thought it was some glam rockers trying to charm the gospel crowd. It is videos like this that make me truly aware of things I THOUGHT I knew, but actually didn't. After 40+ yeary, you added this to my world. Thanks, Professor!
@barbarajansen4912
@barbarajansen4912 2 года назад
As a Christian I crank up the song “Spirit In The Sky”. I love it. And I’m not offended by the lyrics ‘never been a sinner, I never sin(ned)” to me means that if you have Jesus, your sins are covered as if you never sinned. I think it’s brilliant, in the spirit of the song itself. How do I know this song is Jesus approved? It touches my heart and has positive vibes and I play it loud when I drive so that everyone can hear it.
@jp194
@jp194 2 года назад
AMEN!!!
@OctoberRust1973
@OctoberRust1973 2 года назад
I love that song,
@DoomStarRequiem
@DoomStarRequiem 2 года назад
Amen!!!
@ronsmock1701
@ronsmock1701 2 года назад
Amen!
@07LUTE70
@07LUTE70 2 года назад
My sentiments exactly...
@steventowne6976
@steventowne6976 3 года назад
I remember being 15 years old and listening to this song as it was climbing the charts. My dad let me drive our old Chevy truck up and down in our field and the radio was one of the few things that worked on it. I listened to this song as I learned to drive!
@steventowne6976
@steventowne6976 3 года назад
@Tee Mack He sure didn't ride with me much!
@vincentanguoni8938
@vincentanguoni8938 2 года назад
Nice
@vetsai8199
@vetsai8199 2 года назад
🤣😂I learned to drive with “The Immigrant Song”, by Led Zeppelin. But I learned to create my own dances to “Spirit in the Sky”😂🤣
@susiwebster7068
@susiwebster7068 10 месяцев назад
This song's special place for me. Music, esp classic rock, has always been the soundtrack to my life. So when I got the call that my dad - my rock in the world - was in the hospital (he was a frail man with lots of medical issues), I jumped in my car, turned on the radio and.... Spirit in the Sky was the first song that played. A portent? An omen? It actually gave me the solace and calm to get through that night and the tough weeks that followed. A true blessing!
@catlover-fo1jy
@catlover-fo1jy 2 месяца назад
This song was one of my mom's favorite songs. I mentioned it to my parent's minister and he used some of the lyrics in her eulogy at her Celebration of Life event last week. It is a powerful song.
@toddtheref
@toddtheref 3 года назад
That fuzz riff, along with the Beatles’ Revolution, represents the most iconic fuzz riffs of all time. If you’re going to be a one hit wonder, you might as well do it with one of the most iconic songs ever. Well done Norman!
@fullclipaudio
@fullclipaudio 2 года назад
The Beatles riff is actually distortion from one channel of the mixing console overdriving another channel on the board.
@FirewindII
@FirewindII 2 года назад
@@fullclipaudio Thank you. I just learned something.
@kimandrew3095
@kimandrew3095 2 года назад
Even the slight delay of the fuzz tone gets your senses jacked up
@vicc7409
@vicc7409 2 года назад
The riff is a traditional boogie blues riff a la John Lee Hooker’s “Boogie Chillun.”
@jaycrane761
@jaycrane761 2 года назад
This was my uncle’s theme and it was played at his funeral. So every time I hear this it takes me back to that day we put my uncle to rest! But it’s a great memory of my uncle and I have loved this song because of it.
@marybisagno7809
@marybisagno7809 7 месяцев назад
Love the song. This was one of my Daddy's favorite songs. I feel like I had a nod from Heaven recently when I heard the song on the radio on Daddy's birthday. Thank you.💜
@blackwood711
@blackwood711 9 месяцев назад
I’ll add my favorite memory of this song. I was a sophomore in high school in 1970, and went to the high school dance. In one of my history classes was a girl who was a senior, she had the face of an angel and the body of a goddess. This song came on and she was dating a guy named Jim, who looked like Jim Morrison, and they were dancing to this song. So…I was a young teenager watching a goddess dance with a rock star to a yet to be realized timeless hit! I’ve had many greater moments in my life, but that one is embedded in my memory! Thanks for the memory.
@melissadibacco8937
@melissadibacco8937 2 года назад
I love this song! I am an 80's kid but when this comes on the radio in the car I always turn it up. My mom has told me she wants this song done for her funeral. I had no idea the story behind the song and that he never had another hit single like this. This channel is awesome!
@WendelltheSongwriter
@WendelltheSongwriter 3 года назад
I play a number of one hit wonders in my solo act. Whenever somebody says oh he was a one hit wonder, I always ask, how many hits have you had?
@azurephoenix9546
@azurephoenix9546 3 года назад
they're wonders for a reason. they usually have a pretty major impact on the music scene and they're a kind of magic that's not always something you can catch in a bottle. spirit in the sky married at least 4 different genres and that dirty guitar sound reminded me of T-bone walker's jump blues sound. And for those of us who don't care about rock history? well, he gave us all hope that people we have loved and lost in this life are up there somewhere, happy, joyful and at peace. He gave us hope, comfort and optimism in a time when people were losing so many loved ones in Vietnam. And that comfort, hope and optimistic outlook is why it remains a permanent classic all over the world.
@jimmymckay73
@jimmymckay73 3 года назад
That is hilarious ! You " play a number of one hit wonders " and berating fans if they refer to a one hit wonder . I'm sure that is a recipe for success . LMFAO
@happydays8171
@happydays8171 2 года назад
I wonder if painters who only have one painting that makes it big are "One stroke wonders?"
@johnmcelroy5804
@johnmcelroy5804 2 года назад
Kind of makes you wonder how many talented and genius musicians never had any hits at all!?
@happydays8171
@happydays8171 2 года назад
@@johnmcelroy5804 Uncountable. Gotta really want it in the record industry.
@DroneManMurphy
@DroneManMurphy Год назад
I remember riding in our car as a kid when the song was popular listening to it playing on the radio while I laid in the back seat looking up at the stars in the night sky above. It was really epic! 😊
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