Which 1969 song by Norman Greenbaum became a US one-hit wonder with its gospel-inspired sound?

Norman Greenbaum’s 1969 song that became a US one-hit wonder is “Spirit in the Sky.”

Greenbaum wrote and recorded the song after hearing a gospel performance on television. Although he was not a gospel singer, he created a deliberately spiritual lyric around a heavy electric-guitar riff, handclaps, and a distinctive fuzz-toned sound. The recording was released in late 1969 and became a major international hit in 1970.

In the United States, “Spirit in the Sky” reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the singles charts in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Greenbaum never again matched its worldwide success, which is why the song is routinely included in one-hit-wonder lists.

The song is sometimes mistaken for a traditional gospel recording because of its religious language. It is actually an original pop-rock composition, and its producer was Erik Jacobsen, known for his work with the Lovin’ Spoonful. Later uses in films, commercials, and television helped keep the recording recognizable.