Which 1970 song made American singer Norman Greenbaum a one-hit wonder with a gospel-rock sound?

Norman Greenbaum’s 1970 song “Spirit in the Sky” made the American singer a one-hit wonder.

Greenbaum wrote and recorded the song after deciding to create a spiritual song despite not being a regular churchgoer. The recording combines distorted electric guitar, a heavy beat, handclaps, and gospel-influenced backing vocals. Its repeated references to Jesus gave the track a religious theme, while its hard-rock production made it unusual for a gospel-influenced hit.

Released in late 1969, the single became a major success in 1970. It reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The song has been used extensively in films, television, advertising, and sports settings.

The title is sometimes confused with songs containing “spirit” or “sky” in their names, but Greenbaum’s recording is identified by its fuzz-guitar riff and the opening lyric about preparing to meet Jesus.