My aunt was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. She wanted to have a "going away party" as she knew she would soon pass ... This is one of the songs she wanted played at her party. It was great. She danced with her man and most if not all attendees sang and danced. She passed 12/26. So every time I hear this I will forever remember my beautiful strong auntie. Thanks for the memories ❤️
@@jamieshue6145 it's amazing that a one hit wonder from so long ago would still mean so much to so many people even to this present day! I often call theses types of songs "the universal box of tissues songs." (Or tissue songs for short! ha ha) The memories that go along with those songs often make ya need a tissue while listening! I hope and pray this song will continue to bring peace and lots of love to you and anyone else (even me) who feels the pain of missing that special someone! Tissue?? 😢🤧🥴 Take care! ❤️
Norman is Jewish. He included Jesus in the song to make it more accessible. I read that he has been able to support himself off this song all his life.
He said later in an interview that he didn't realize that "I've never sinned" is not part of Christianity, but he didn't know because he was a Jewish kid. He just laughed it off, which makes sense, no blame to him. It's a great song and as you say it's funded his life. (Al Stewart has said the same thing about Year of the Cat -- it allows him to live the lifestyle he enjoys!)
Dude has a farm and raises goats, crops and animals at a farm he owns in Vermont. Simple sustaining lifestyle, I could see him living off the royalties to that one song in such a simple manner...
He once said that he has never made less than $50,000 a year from this song since it was released. So, no matter what else he's got going on, or not going on, he's got that $50,000+ cushion that he can rely on every year.
Everyone loved this song. There was a Jesus Revolution that went on in the late 60s and early 70s. It was a great time. I’m hoping it comes around again as we sure need the revival.
My best friend of 38 years had this played as the last song at her service in 2017 when she passed from cancer. We were dancing in our seats and knew she was having the best party ever in Heaven which is what we tried our best to do for her that day. I LOVE this song! Thank you so much for doing this song. Rock on Tish!!!
I know that’s right! When I listen to Led Zeppelin, Stones, Beatles, The Who, Kinks, Blood Sweat & Tears, Eric Clapton, et al, it blows me A-W-A-Y go think they’re all in their early to mid-30’s & have that level of talent, professionalism.
This guitar tone is literally legend. It's an unobtainable holy grail. Even Greenbaum was never able to achieve it a second time. It was on a custom guitar with a home made over drive circuit built in, but nobody really knows the exact circuitry, and that's a whole thing with amplifiers and pedals.
If you listen to Marty Robbin's song, Don't Worry About Me, it has a similar sound on the guitar, from what was told about the recording, there was a feedback problem with one of the amps in the recording studio, they did not notice it until after the recording was played back, but Marty liked it so much that he left it on the single.
My mum wanted this song played at her funeral but it was by dr and the medics. Will never forget people looking around thinking wtf when the song started
Even a straight up gospel song like "O Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers was able to make the charts at #4 in the US. Also "Put Your Hand in the Hand" by Ocean made it to #2. It was kept from first place by "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night. Kris Kristofferson had a hit with "Why Me Lord" in 1973. And the Godspell version of "Day by Day" made the top ten. I can't imagine it happening nowadays with radio stations playing songs from a corporate playlist.
In an interview, Norman Greenbaum said he was listening to different types of music when some gospel music came on. Even though he is Jewish, he wanted to see if he could write a gospel song. He retained the rights to the song and has made millions in royalties from it
@@lewistasso8866 My Daddy passed away of Covid Jan 17 2021 He had complications with his heart and just could not make it!!!! He was 73 He played guitar acoustic and electric with a whammy bar and sang like an angel everyone wanted my Dad to sing and pick they really enjoyed it so much -- I remember us kids asking him to do White Lightening it was so funny how he did his lips like George Jones! His hero though was Merle Haggard and Elvis Presley RIP DADDYYYY I miss you so so much!!!!!!! MY HERO
But, look at how many artists are STILL trying to recreate this sound and are repeatedly hearing Greenbaum’s message of love and hope. That’s huge. Reaching people who might have been hard to reach out to otherwise. Makes my heart full. ❤️
The best thing about this artist is that he kept the rights to the song. He has lived off this song his entire life. Royalties from countless movies , commercials, etc
He had the chance to do a lot more. Norman walked away from a huge record deal. They wanted him to make more spirit in the Sky sounding songs and he wasn’t interested in doing that….to him it was a one off and not really his esthetic in music at least at the time.
That ragged fuzz tone on the guitar is world famous and for the last fifty years musician all over the world have been trying to reproduce it with no success. Even Norman himself can’t reproduce it. There is a strange story about it that is really worth reading about. I have talked with Norman about it and tried to help … but could not get close. If you’re interested let me know and I can fill you in…..thanks so much for your reactions !
Wasn't part of the effect custom built by a friend of his? I recall him saying that in an interview. That would help explain why it can't quite be replicated by off-the-shelf gear.
I was living with and taking care of my dying grandpa in 1988. He passed away on May 5, 1988. A couple hours after he passed away, coroner already took him away, I had to get out of the house. I went to my car and when I started it this song just started playing on the radio. I sat there and cried and smiled.
He was a one hit wonder, but this song got a lot of radio airplay when it came out. Another one hit wonder you should check out is “In The Year 2525” by Zager and Evans
Shame was, he was only a one hit wonder because he had a major lawsuit with the record company and they wouldn't let him perform the song during it. It killed his career, being his first song. Saw a video of him performing with about a 10 piece band in Vegas, what a sound. Interesting, a farmer by trade.
This song is on my daily play list. It always makes me think of my grandmother who we lived nextdoor to. Gramma didn't have a mean bone in her body. She was very religious yet not in the sense that she had to join a building full of people to show her belief in God....she lived it every single day in everything she did. I never heard a radio play in her house. She didn't watch t.v.....she read her Bible, baked, took care of her home and watched the wildlife outside of her windows. She and I had a very special relationship. One of the things we liked to do with each other was pick weeds out of her front yard. One day I saw her in the yard so I walked over. I had with me my handy dandy portable radio tuned into the one AM station we had where I lived. I turned it down, set it on the ground and joined Gramma picking weeds. I heard the DJ introduce this song so I asked Gramma if she would listen to it with me. She answered yes so I picked my radio up, turned it up and stood beside Gramma. Within moments she was bopping to the beat....something I had never seen her do. She faced me, reached her hands out to me, so I set the radio down and we stood there dancing in place while holding hands through the whole song. Nothing like that ever happened again with me and Gramma but on that one sunshiny day, Spirit in the Sky had a 60+ year old woman and an adolescent girl vibing and dancing together in her front yard. It was beautiful. Thanks for your reaction, you guys and for reminding me of that happy day. Take care and be well. Peace.
I love your story of your Grandma & you listening to this song & dancing 🥰 Spirit in the Sky really makes you dance, clap your hands , sing & feel good. You have such a beautiful memory to go with this song ☮️🇨🇦💜
Another 60's group very few have reacted to is "The Fifth Dimension." Check out "Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In." You'll love it. I haven't steered you wrong yet!
This was a great time to be a teenager living in NYC. When we played hooky from high school, we would have all of New York City in front of us. Everything was just a subway ride away. Once we felt good about riding the subway, we would go anywhere, and everywhere. Yes, it was bellbottoms and converse sneakers. The weekends you could see one of these bands, at least. With all the rundown venues in lower Manhattan. They would be 4 dollars a seat. Bring in anything you wanted.
Norman G. "Spirit in the Sky" is one of the greatest - and best-selling - one-hit wonders of all time! I loved this song in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie! (add that to your movie channel if you haven't seen it...) There's also a cool 80's cover version of this song by Doctor and the Medics that you should check out.
My gorgeous mum passed away from cancer almost 9 years ago - this is the main song she chose to be played at her funeral. She loved music like I do, and this song was SO her! ❤
Fantastic song that hit the UK number one spot in 1970. This was a one hit wonder in a decade of many one hit wonders - which we don't see that often these days. This song was so good it actually made the UK number one spot by three different artists over the years!
There are just a few songs in this genre that I can think of, they are: "Jesus is alright" by the Doobie Brothers and "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison. There are probably others but these two poped into my head right away. 😃
@@davidkelly2355 I ran into that same mindset back in the late 70's. I had a young lady argue me down that My Sweet Lord was a Christian rock song. Lyrics are always a major element in any song. I told her if she would listen to the actual words she might feel differently.
This was the era of experimentation with sounds. Distorted guitar, echo chambers, reverb and other effects were new. I was about your age when this came out and we called it Gospel Rock and Groove music. Humble Pie, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Grateful Dead were pioneers in this along with Emerson Lake and Palmer, Moody Blues Iron Butterfly and of course.....Focus.
A review of "Fresh Air," Quicksilver Messenger Service, and maybe "White Bird" from "It's A Beautiful Day?" Or two from The Youngbloods, "Get Together" and "Darkness, Darkness." Then there's "The Worse That Could Happen" by The Brooklyn Bridge (which they have reviewed)
One of the amazing things about rock music in those days vs rock music of later years is that artists freely put out songs about Jesus. The Edwin Hawkins Singers had a tremendous hit in those days "Oh Happy Day". Simon and Garfunkel's early album included "Go Tell it on the Mountain" "You Can Tell the World," "Sparrow," and "Benedictus." Cat Stevens had "Morning Has Broken" (in most Hymnbooks). Sadly, you just don't hear that on the radio anymore. I enjoy the way you appreciate these "older" tunes I grew up with.
"Spirit in the Sky" makes several religious references to Jesus, although Greenbaum himself is Jewish. In a 2006 interview with The New York Times, Greenbaum told a reporter he was inspired to write the song after watching Porter Wagoner singing a gospel song on TV.
I was born in the 1980s and my parents were born in the early 1950s, so this is the music they grew up with as it was coming out. I once posed them this question: If you were trying to explain to a stranger the essence of the 1960s, and could only do it with one song, what would that song be? Of course, we all brought up the fact that not only was the music of the 60s diverse, but can be divided into different stages with very different sounds (early, 1950s-like 60s music, middle Go-Go style 60s music, and Vietnam Era, psychedelic 60s music). All that said, they really had a hard time coming up with something. I already knew the one I would share - Spirit in the Sky. It has all of the quintessentially 60s vibes and undertones; it's quasi spiritual, it's got a great electric guitar riff, it features distortion, it has great harmonized backing vocals, you can dance to it AND drop acid to it, and while it doesn't seem like a protest song, it kind of feels like one on some level. I think Spirit in the Sky is a great summary of the era.
Such a great choice guys. Played this among a couple of other rock songs at Hubby's funeral. He was only 44 he played guitar and drums so I wanted to honor and represent him with a younger rock theme.
I have always liked this song, but it took on a whole new meaning for me on Dec 24th 2012. My mother passed away just the previous evening. I had to work the next day and the song came on the radio on my way home. Total emotional release. I don't think I've ever cried like that before or since. THANK YOU for reacting to this. You made me smile.
"What is that?" It's fuzz box guitar, also known as a Fuzz Face. It's basically a primitive circuit that the electricity loops through, which includes a small battery. Voltage leakage, overdriving, feedback, and clipping the waveform create the unique fuzz sound. Some of the coolest sounds musicians make were created from accidentally using broken equipment! Greenbaum described how he got the distinct tone on his Fender Telecaster, which had a fuzz box built inside its body. "I knew this guy, and he knew electronics. So, rather than having a pedal and everything, he just put this little transmitter thing right into the guitar with an on-off switch. Somehow the sound has never been duplicated. Bands write me all the time, 'I've been trying to play that song for years and I can't even come close.' Speculation is, the little 9-V battery in the fuzz circuit was dying. The distorted low output from the battery amped up the fuzz and may have created the tone of the Spirit in the Sky fuzz. Within a month of recording the song, someone stole the guitar, which was a one-off, and it was never recovered. So it's remained a real mystery! On a side note, Jimi Hendrix was said to have a dozen fuzz units lying around all the time. He would listen to them each, then pick one for a favorite tone. Sometimes, he got frustrated because he would go in a different room to record and the temperature or humidity would be different. It would alter the tone of the fuzz and he would no longer like it!
Norman, who was a goat farmer, resumed goats after this! Our family dog would howl like a wolf when he heard this, which was a lot as we had it on a 45 rpm. I mean howl like a wolf, ooooowooowoooOOOOO. We never did work out how he knew which disc it was but we came home one day to find it chewed to pieces! Just that one, none of the others. Clever little dog he was, some would say too clever, how did he know? LOL! Love you guys; I have vile stinking evil flu (not covid) and feel terrible but you just cheered me up so, thank you. Happy new year. x
Apparently, they were never able to recreate it exactly the same again when playing live. Professor of Rock has an excellent video on it! ruclips.net/video/Ac5c1Ns-Bng/видео.html
Another spiritual song “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James and the Shondells. I guarantee good feels! This group would be a great rabbit hole to explore. Nothing better than the 60’s and 70’s ya’ll! (I know…I’m a little partial 😀) The Grassroots and The Association have a lot of great hits from that time frame too.
Norman Greenbaum was heavily influenced by country music and also by gospel. He actually got a lot of flack from evangelicals for the line "I never was a sinner, I never sinned", because according to Christian theology everyone is a sinner. However, Norman Greenbaum was (and is?) an Orthodox Jew, or at least raised in an Orthodox Jewish family. He sang about Jesus because he thought it would sell better. The song is amazing musically.
As Jewish believer that was the line always stood out to me. Unfortunately, for Mr. Greenbaum that was very bad theology. As you said we are all born sinners and to deny this, indicates you are not saved.
I always wondered about that him being Jewish especially the name I didn't know that he was actually strictly Orthodox Jew but I have heard of something called Jews for Jesus but back in those days when he made the song I don't think that was a popular thing!! But of course the kids and teenagers that this song was directed towards didn't give a crap about stuff like that, I was one of them!! I kind of remember thinking just the way Amber is thinking about the meaning of this song!!
This was one of my mom's favorite songs. I made sure it was on the playlist at her funeral 5 years ago. It's a great song, I'm glad y'all like it, too. Great reaction! 👍
Loved this when it came out. Now as a 68 year old, it is amazing how many funerals end with this as the walk out music. Brings a smile to many in the crowd!
Since Jay is so into heavy metal & stringed instruments it’s time for you guys to react to “Yuve Yuve Yu” by The HU. They are a Mongolian heavy metal band, and they incorporate traditional Mongolian throat-singing & some really cool looking stringed instruments in their music. The official video is at 89 million views, 1.4 million likes, 78,000 comments, and counting!
Wolf Totem would be another awesome song by them. They have such a unique sound in today's world of music. I don't like heavy metal or hard rock, but there is something about The HU and their musical instruments that just pulls you in.
This song was also featured in the 1987 movie "Maid to order" with Ally Sheedy. And the song was played by "Doctor and the Medics", which appeared in the movie.
Greenbaum makes a pretty decent living even today from the royalties from all the commercials and movies this song appears in. Just last year it was featured in a key part of the Reacher series on Amazon.
When he said never sinned THATS a big lie. The bible says we have ALL sinned AND YOU NEED to know that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all sins of the world. All sins are forgiven Past present and future, but you need to believe that he died for you personally died and was buried and rose again And if you put ALL your trust in him and him alone. Nothing you can do to add to your salvation The lord paid for it all. You don't have to go to Hell for ever. If you put all your trust in him you will have so much peace knowing this, Take care God bless you
In the mid seventies I was a DJ at an online radio program in Quad Cities, Bettendorf IA! This song only hit by Greenbaum has been used in myriad television & movies since it was released. Now I’m a grandfather of seven & a fan
I am jealous of you guys. Why? Because you are getting to hear and appreciate the great music of the seventies from a knowledgeable perspective and a heritage of the great music since, that has educated you. I was a teenager in the seventies and whilst I loved and danced, or just chilled out to this music, I didn’t have the sense or knowledge to realise how really stupendous it was!!!
Wow, memories of my childhood. We had just moved to Florida when this came out. So lots of fun times on the beach with this song playing on the radio. Y'all should listen to 'Classical Gas'. Same time frame, and another great memory song.
Even my Christian great-grandmother loved this song, and so did we. So refreshing to hear a song about Jesus played on mainstream radio. There were a lot of born again hippies back then during the Jesus movement, and many of those stayed true to the faith. Keith Green came out of that movement and made some of the most powerful Christian music ever. 🙌
Just an fyi! The guy who wrote wrote it as a lark to see if he could come up with something like the CW stuff he saw on TV in the 50-60's. He was and is an Orthodox Jew, not Christian.
Love Keith Green. When my husband and I became believers we sold all our albums and got hooked on Christian songs. It was an answer to prayer to find Keith Green. Of course we love all genre’s of music and listen to them. My husband loves Skillet, Thousand Foot Crush which is hard rock Christian.
Jay was speechless, and they had him on the fourth clap. Hope you play this for your kids. They will JAM to this. And now that you've heard it, you can still play it and dance anytime you want. Rock and roll really does never forget.
Confirmed atheist here, this has been a favourite song since it was released. You speak fondly of your church so I was absolutely thrilled you folks caught the riff and the message, thanks for letting me hear it again for the first time.
@Catholic Firefighter not an atheist but atheists love great music too. Music is not confined to whoever believes their religion alone is the only truth. Handel's Messiah is a masterwork adored by most all who love music, no matter their beliefs because it is a Masterpiece of composition and orchestration. Christians do not have exclusive right to appreciation of music. You have a fatally flawed claim.
LOVE LOVE this song. I've told everyone in my family that I want this song played at my funeral!!!! Thank you for reacting to this song. Happy Holidays.
My aunt was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. She wanted to have a "going away party" as she knew she would soon pass ... This is one of the songs she wanted played at her party. It was great. She danced with her man and most if not all attendees sang and danced. She passed 12/26. So every time I hear this I will forever remember my beautiful strong auntie. Thanks for the memories ❤️
LX N, that's a beautiful memory that you will always have. It does sound like she was an, upbeat, and a wonderful lady. I'm sorry for your loss.
🥲🤗
My sister asked that this be played at her funeral. It brings back her celebration of life ceremony.
@@jamieshue6145 it's amazing that a one hit wonder from so long ago would still mean so much to so many people even to this present day!
I often call theses types of songs "the universal box of tissues songs."
(Or tissue songs for short! ha ha)
The memories that go along with those songs often make ya need a tissue while listening!
I hope and pray this song will continue to bring peace and lots of love to you and anyone else
(even me) who feels the pain of missing that special someone!
Tissue?? 😢🤧🥴
Take care! ❤️
Women of good taste man
Norman is Jewish. He included Jesus in the song to make it more accessible. I read that he has been able to support himself off this song all his life.
He said later in an interview that he didn't realize that "I've never sinned" is not part of Christianity, but he didn't know because he was a Jewish kid. He just laughed it off, which makes sense, no blame to him. It's a great song and as you say it's funded his life. (Al Stewart has said the same thing about Year of the Cat -- it allows him to live the lifestyle he enjoys!)
Another big hit that makes references to Christ is Crystal Blue Persuasion.
Dude has a farm and raises goats, crops and animals at a farm he owns in Vermont. Simple sustaining lifestyle, I could see him living off the royalties to that one song in such a simple manner...
He once said that he has never made less than $50,000 a year from this song since it was released. So, no matter what else he's got going on, or not going on, he's got that $50,000+ cushion that he can rely on every year.
@@barrycohen311 I’m sorry …. He lives in Santa Rosa California. And, sold his farm in Petaluma many years ago…..just an update…..
Everyone loved this song. There was a Jesus Revolution that went on in the late 60s and early 70s. It was a great time. I’m hoping it comes around again as we sure need the revival.
53 years old and still sounds as fresh as it did on release.
71yrs old and it still gets my feet tapping heart pumping and hands clapping 👏
@@roserollins9800 Right back to 10th grade
My best friend of 38 years had this played as the last song at her service in 2017 when she passed from cancer. We were dancing in our seats and knew she was having the best party ever in Heaven which is what we tried our best to do for her that day. I LOVE this song! Thank you so much for doing this song. Rock on Tish!!!
38? OMG SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like she knew where she was going, though.
Rest in Paradise Tish!!
OH I am so sorry for your loss what a beautiful song to celebrate your friends life!!!! RIP Tish!!!!!! So young so sad darling!
That’s exactly what I want for my funeral.
"If you can remember the '60s, you weren't really there." - Norman Greenbaum
Man, I feel for anyone who wasn’t brought up during this era of music! So much great music when the world was crazy.
I know that’s right! When I listen to Led Zeppelin, Stones, Beatles, The Who, Kinks, Blood Sweat & Tears, Eric Clapton, et al, it blows me A-W-A-Y go think they’re all in their early to mid-30’s & have that level of talent, professionalism.
This guitar tone is literally legend. It's an unobtainable holy grail. Even Greenbaum was never able to achieve it a second time. It was on a custom guitar with a home made over drive circuit built in, but nobody really knows the exact circuitry, and that's a whole thing with amplifiers and pedals.
I was thinking wolfer, but amplifier is what I meant! Thanks for the story behind it.
Sweet!..🙏
If you listen to Marty Robbin's song, Don't Worry About Me, it has a similar sound on the guitar, from what was told about the recording, there was a feedback problem with one of the amps in the recording studio, they did not notice it until after the recording was played back, but Marty liked it so much that he left it on the single.
@@williamhamaker3029 I believe its credited as the first distortion recording. (The Marty Robbins song)
My friend had a non religious funeral but she made us all stand up and dance and sing to this 🥰🥰🥰 that's the Welsh for you🏴🏴🏴👌👌
The guy was Jewish and the song was inspire by westerns so I reckon its not the most religious song, just happens to mention jesus
WELL DONE, ALLIE!!!
My mum wanted this song played at her funeral but it was by dr and the medics. Will never forget people looking around thinking wtf when the song started
Oh and also welsh 🏴 Cymru am byth
Every funeral I've ever attended could have used a little celebration and not just overwhelming grief...
This was very popular . Songs dealing with Spirituality were big in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Check out My Sweet Lord from George Harrison 1971
"Jesus freak" music, so called. A lot of it was really good.
You must also add that my sweet lord is about krisna and the Vada.
Even a straight up gospel song like "O Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers was able to make the charts at #4 in the US. Also "Put Your Hand in the Hand" by Ocean made it to #2. It was kept from first place by "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night. Kris Kristofferson had a hit with "Why Me Lord" in 1973. And the Godspell version of "Day by Day" made the top ten. I can't imagine it happening nowadays with radio stations playing songs from a corporate playlist.
@@bengilbert7655 my mom had the 45 of the Ocean song and I remember watching Godspell on tv as well as Jesus Christ Superstar
@@bengilbert7655 Yes, thank you for that reminder of those great songs! Godspell got me through a lot in my teen years!
"I love some Norman Greenbaum." That's good, since you just now heard all his hits.
In an interview, Norman Greenbaum said he was listening to different types of music when some gospel music came on. Even though he is Jewish, he wanted to see if he could write a gospel song. He retained the rights to the song and has made millions in royalties from it
My mother loved this song! She always said "you better play this at my funeral!" Sadly we had to do that in2019. I think of her every time I hear it!
Sorry . May she RIP
I am so sorry!!!! about your Mother May She REST IN PEACE!!!!! BIG HUGS
I hope it wasn't Covid
@@lewistasso8866 My Daddy passed away of Covid Jan 17 2021 He had complications with his heart and just could not make it!!!! He was 73 He played guitar acoustic and electric with a whammy bar and sang like an angel everyone wanted my Dad to sing and pick they really enjoyed it so much -- I remember us kids asking him to do White Lightening it was so funny how he did his lips like George Jones! His hero though was Merle Haggard and Elvis Presley RIP DADDYYYY I miss you so so much!!!!!!! MY HERO
Me too! Feel for ya! It had to be played for my mom this past July per her demand! This song now brings mixed emotions!
High 5 ✋to our moms!
We played this at my Brother's funeral. Per his request. I cry with joy every time I hear it. 😇🙌
Awwww What a tribute to your brother may he rest in peace huge hugs to you darling
@@tonyarenee531 thank you.
Your dear brother is in very good company as thousands and thousands have chosen what your brother wished for as well …. God bless his soul !
@@Sneaky-Sneaky thank you.
I’m an atheist and I love me some Spirt in the Sky. I’ve always been a sinner I love to sin. Thank you Norman
This may be the most iconic one hit wonder song in music history. If not, top five for sure. Sounds as fresh today as😊 it did in 1969.
Here is THE COOLEST TRIPPIEST SONG AND ONE HIT WONDER FROM MY YOUTH. Love it!!!!@
Memories. He didn't do much else to make it into mainstream but he probably didn't need to because this made such an impact. This is a classic.
He was able to catch lightning in a bottle at least once which is no small feat
Go out on a high note lol
But, look at how many artists are STILL trying to recreate this sound and are repeatedly hearing Greenbaum’s message of love and hope. That’s huge. Reaching people who might have been hard to reach out to otherwise. Makes my heart full. ❤️
The best thing about this artist is that he kept the rights to the song. He has lived off this song his entire life. Royalties from countless movies , commercials, etc
He had the chance to do a lot more. Norman walked away from a huge record deal. They wanted him to make more spirit in the Sky sounding songs and he wasn’t interested in doing that….to him it was a one off and not really his esthetic in music at least at the time.
That ragged fuzz tone on the guitar is world famous and for the last fifty years musician all over the world have been trying to reproduce it with no success. Even Norman himself can’t reproduce it. There is a strange story about it that is really worth reading about. I have talked with Norman about it and tried to help … but could not get close. If you’re interested let me know and I can fill you in…..thanks so much for your reactions !
Wasn't part of the effect custom built by a friend of his? I recall him saying that in an interview. That would help explain why it can't quite be replicated by off-the-shelf gear.
💜💜💜🤘🤘🤘🎵🎼🎶🎤🥁🎸🎹🎙📀 ABSOLUTELY!!!!
sounds like a ripped speaker.
@@kestrelle5345 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Like the introduction feedback on “I Feel Fine”, by the Beatles
I was living with and taking care of my dying grandpa in 1988. He passed away on May 5, 1988. A couple hours after he passed away, coroner already took him away, I had to get out of the house. I went to my car and when I started it this song just started playing on the radio. I sat there and cried and smiled.
Everyone loves this song no matter how “old” it is ! We all sing it!
Maybe not!
He was a one hit wonder, but this song got a lot of radio airplay when it came out. Another one hit wonder you should check out is “In The Year 2525” by Zager and Evans
I always loved 2525, even as a kid. It’s just such a damn sad song though. Nothing else like it.
Absolutely. You could even apply the themes to today
Thank you Louis Crispino for reminding me of one of my favourites.
Shame was, he was only a one hit wonder because he had a major lawsuit with the record company and they wouldn't let him perform the song during it. It killed his career, being his first song. Saw a video of him performing with about a 10 piece band in Vegas, what a sound. Interesting, a farmer by trade.
I've asked for 2525 with no success! :(
A one-hit wonder, but what a hit it was. Featured in the movie, Apollo 13, since it was released a few months before that crisis.
Contact, too
My favourite scene when this is playing on their radio whilst doing a video for the public
Also in the movie "Miami Blues."
I was thinking more of "Wayne's World 2." :p
Best opening rift ever
One of the best songs ever in the popular culture. Rock spiritual.
This song is on my daily play list. It always makes me think of my grandmother who we lived nextdoor to. Gramma didn't have a mean bone in her body. She was very religious yet not in the sense that she had to join a building full of people to show her belief in God....she lived it every single day in everything she did. I never heard a radio play in her house. She didn't watch t.v.....she read her Bible, baked, took care of her home and watched the wildlife outside of her windows. She and I had a very special relationship. One of the things we liked to do with each other was pick weeds out of her front yard. One day I saw her in the yard so I walked over. I had with me my handy dandy portable radio tuned into the one AM station we had where I lived. I turned it down, set it on the ground and joined Gramma picking weeds. I heard the DJ introduce this song so I asked Gramma if she would listen to it with me. She answered yes so I picked my radio up, turned it up and stood beside Gramma. Within moments she was bopping to the beat....something I had never seen her do. She faced me, reached her hands out to me, so I set the radio down and we stood there dancing in place while holding hands through the whole song. Nothing like that ever happened again with me and Gramma but on that one sunshiny day, Spirit in the Sky had a 60+ year old woman and an adolescent girl vibing and dancing together in her front yard. It was beautiful. Thanks for your reaction, you guys and for reminding me of that happy day. Take care and be well. Peace.
What a beautiful memory!😍
Dang it y'all making me eyes 👁👁 sweat 💝💝💝💝😭😭😭😭 what a beautiful memory for you
I love your story of your Grandma & you listening to this song & dancing 🥰 Spirit in the Sky really makes you dance, clap your hands , sing & feel good. You have such a beautiful memory to go with this song ☮️🇨🇦💜
That may be my favorite Grandma story ever.
Another 60's group very few have reacted to is "The Fifth Dimension." Check out "Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In." You'll love it. I haven't steered you wrong yet!
And Lovin' Spoonful, too ....
Hair!
Also, the movie it came from (Hair) is a little slice of the 60's and it hurts but it's also beautiful.
I like some Jim Brown music, like the three bells.
Yes, from the rock opera 'Hair'
This was a great time to be a teenager living in NYC. When we played hooky from high school, we would have all of New York City in front of us. Everything was just a subway ride away. Once we felt good about riding the subway, we would go anywhere, and everywhere. Yes, it was bellbottoms and converse sneakers. The weekends you could see one of these bands, at least. With all the rundown venues in lower Manhattan. They would be 4 dollars a seat. Bring in anything you wanted.
One of my favorites🎉
He may have been a one-hit wonder - but what a hit‼️
Exactly what I was thinking. Always puts a smile on my face ☺
Norman G. "Spirit in the Sky" is one of the greatest - and best-selling - one-hit wonders of all time! I loved this song in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie! (add that to your movie channel if you haven't seen it...) There's also a cool 80's cover version of this song by Doctor and the Medics that you should check out.
I loved it in Apollo 13!
Yep!
Kentucky Headhunters also did a cover.
He also sang "Canned Ham"....!!!
@@sourisvoleur4854 That was the best. I can see that tape recorder spinning in weightlessness!
My gorgeous mum passed away from cancer almost 9 years ago - this is the main song she chose to be played at her funeral. She loved music like I do, and this song was SO her! ❤
Arguably, the TOP one-hit wonder song of all-time. What a positive vibe.
One of the greatest 1 Hit wonders
Fantastic song that hit the UK number one spot in 1970. This was a one hit wonder in a decade of many one hit wonders - which we don't see that often these days. This song was so good it actually made the UK number one spot by three different artists over the years!
In the USA it was released in Jan 1970 ,, And in The UK in Dec 1969 .
One of the great one-hit-wonders of all time. Part folk revival, part southern rock, instantly recognizable with the distorted guitar sound.
I love how Amber is digging this song so much.
You are playing my playlist again. As a kid I remember my mom dancing across the living room to this. Much love!
Just checked. I have it also.
This song isn't just good - it's ICONIC!
It absolutely is!!!!
There are just a few songs in this genre that I can think of, they are: "Jesus is alright" by the Doobie Brothers and "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison. There are probably others but these two poped into my head right away.
😃
Ocean-Put your hand in the hand :)
Tony Kosinec - All Things Come From God
How about the nuns singing the Lord's prayer.
You do know “My Sweet Lord” is about eastern religion,all the Indian gods are name checked. Hari Krishna ,et al…
@@davidkelly2355 I ran into that same mindset back in the late 70's. I had a young lady argue me down that My Sweet Lord was a Christian rock song. Lyrics are always a major element in any song. I told her if she would listen to the actual words she might feel differently.
This was the era of experimentation with sounds. Distorted guitar, echo chambers, reverb and other effects were new. I was about your age when this came out and we called it Gospel Rock and Groove music. Humble Pie, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Grateful Dead were pioneers in this along with Emerson Lake and Palmer, Moody Blues Iron Butterfly and of course.....Focus.
Slashing the cones of your speakers with a razor
"Pictures of Matchstick Men" by Status Quo from 1968 is another example.
A review of "Fresh Air," Quicksilver Messenger Service, and maybe "White Bird" from "It's A Beautiful Day?" Or two from The Youngbloods, "Get Together" and "Darkness, Darkness." Then there's "The Worse That Could Happen" by The Brooklyn Bridge (which they have reviewed)
One of the amazing things about rock music in those days vs rock music of later years is that artists freely put out songs about Jesus. The Edwin Hawkins Singers had a tremendous hit in those days "Oh Happy Day". Simon and Garfunkel's early album included "Go Tell it on the Mountain" "You Can Tell the World," "Sparrow," and "Benedictus." Cat Stevens had "Morning Has Broken" (in most Hymnbooks). Sadly, you just don't hear that on the radio anymore. I enjoy the way you appreciate these "older" tunes I grew up with.
Wonderful spiritual music I appreciate very much as too an Atheist.
Don’t forget the Doobies’ Jesus Is Just Alright With Me”!
There was a period around 1970 where there were a whole bunch of hit songs that had a Gospel or hymn-like vibe to them.
I've been hearing this song since it came out. Such a great tune ! It's been in MANY movies and is a classic !
"Spirit in the Sky" makes several religious references to Jesus, although Greenbaum himself is Jewish. In a 2006 interview with The New York Times, Greenbaum told a reporter he was inspired to write the song after watching Porter Wagoner singing a gospel song on TV.
That song is ONE of my ALL TIME FAVS!!!!!🎶🎼🎵💞🎄
thank you
they use this song in a lot of movies as well.
🎶 I gotta friend in JESUS!! 🙏
One of the best guitar tones ever recorded, in one of the best songs ever recorded. It has a huge groove too.
This is a ridin down the road, top down, volume up, everyone singin loud song!!! Good memories that only music can take you back to so clearly.
A one of a kind song with a one of a kind sound that became timeless.
I was born in the 1980s and my parents were born in the early 1950s, so this is the music they grew up with as it was coming out. I once posed them this question: If you were trying to explain to a stranger the essence of the 1960s, and could only do it with one song, what would that song be? Of course, we all brought up the fact that not only was the music of the 60s diverse, but can be divided into different stages with very different sounds (early, 1950s-like 60s music, middle Go-Go style 60s music, and Vietnam Era, psychedelic 60s music). All that said, they really had a hard time coming up with something. I already knew the one I would share - Spirit in the Sky. It has all of the quintessentially 60s vibes and undertones; it's quasi spiritual, it's got a great electric guitar riff, it features distortion, it has great harmonized backing vocals, you can dance to it AND drop acid to it, and while it doesn't seem like a protest song, it kind of feels like one on some level. I think Spirit in the Sky is a great summary of the era.
Such a great choice guys. Played this among a couple of other rock songs at Hubby's funeral. He was only 44 he played guitar and drums so I wanted to honor and represent him with a younger rock theme.
This was my dad's favourite song. It was played at his funeral as a mark of respect for him.
I have also requested my children play this at my funeral.
I have always liked this song, but it took on a whole new meaning for me on Dec 24th 2012. My mother passed away just the previous evening. I had to work the next day and the song came on the radio on my way home. Total emotional release. I don't think I've ever cried like that before or since. THANK YOU for reacting to this. You made me smile.
TWO big thumbs up to you guys. You have found Norman and one of the greatest one hit wonders of the rock era. Amazing!
This was played at Woodstock 1969
I love this song. I have always referred to it as "Rocking Jesus".
This music was ahead of its time.
I got here first!!! Happy New Year guys!!!
"What is that?" It's fuzz box guitar, also known as a Fuzz Face.
It's basically a primitive circuit that the electricity loops through, which includes a small battery. Voltage leakage, overdriving, feedback, and clipping the waveform create the unique fuzz sound. Some of the coolest sounds musicians make were created from accidentally using broken equipment!
Greenbaum described how he got the distinct tone on his Fender Telecaster, which had a fuzz box built inside its body. "I knew this guy, and he knew electronics. So, rather than having a pedal and everything, he just put this little transmitter thing right into the guitar with an on-off switch. Somehow the sound has never been duplicated. Bands write me all the time, 'I've been trying to play that song for years and I can't even come close.' Speculation is, the little 9-V battery in the fuzz circuit was dying. The distorted low output from the battery amped up the fuzz and may have created the tone of the Spirit in the Sky fuzz.
Within a month of recording the song, someone stole the guitar, which was a one-off, and it was never recovered. So it's remained a real mystery!
On a side note, Jimi Hendrix was said to have a dozen fuzz units lying around all the time. He would listen to them each, then pick one for a favorite tone. Sometimes, he got frustrated because he would go in a different room to record and the temperature or humidity would be different. It would alter the tone of the fuzz and he would no longer like it!
This vessel, called the human body, is on Earth but for a short time. So thankful to have grown up in an era when this music was the norm.
I'm 72 and the 60s was one of my best time in my life i listen and rock to it still you both would of loved the 60s peace out you too.
Norman, who was a goat farmer, resumed goats after this! Our family dog would howl like a wolf when he heard this, which was a lot as we had it on a 45 rpm. I mean howl like a wolf, ooooowooowoooOOOOO. We never did work out how he knew which disc it was but we came home one day to find it chewed to pieces! Just that one, none of the others. Clever little dog he was, some would say too clever, how did he know? LOL! Love you guys; I have vile stinking evil flu (not covid) and feel terrible but you just cheered me up so, thank you. Happy new year. x
Yeah it was covid.
Reminds me of summers AM radio in the 70’s!🤘🔥
My most favorite distortion ever!
Yep we as young people who had to work danced at dance floors to this in the hippy times
A classic!!
The guitar distortion always sounds like cars on a highway to me. It has the feeling of traveling on.
Thank you for your comment it puts the song in a different concept for me now
Apparently, they were never able to recreate it exactly the same again when playing live. Professor of Rock has an excellent video on it!
ruclips.net/video/Ac5c1Ns-Bng/видео.html
@@kjmorley Professor of Rock is great!
Perfect song - Let’s think of sending 2021 to the Spirit in the Sky with a happy tune 😃
j adore cette chanson.
Another spiritual song “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James and the Shondells. I guarantee good feels! This group would be a great rabbit hole to explore. Nothing better than the 60’s and 70’s ya’ll! (I know…I’m a little partial 😀) The Grassroots and The Association have a lot of great hits from that time frame too.
Tommy James and the Shondells are essential rock and roll.
Norman Greenbaum was heavily influenced by country music and also by gospel. He actually got a lot of flack from evangelicals for the line "I never was a sinner, I never sinned", because according to Christian theology everyone is a sinner. However, Norman Greenbaum was (and is?) an Orthodox Jew, or at least raised in an Orthodox Jewish family. He sang about Jesus because he thought it would sell better. The song is amazing musically.
As Jewish believer that was the line always stood out to me. Unfortunately, for Mr. Greenbaum that was very bad theology. As you said we are all born sinners and to deny this, indicates you are not saved.
Gee, and I thought Jesus was a Jew and he was singing about his counyryman? Btw, has anybody ever written a song for the money? Duh?
I always wondered about that him being Jewish especially the name I didn't know that he was actually strictly Orthodox Jew but I have heard of something called Jews for Jesus but back in those days when he made the song I don't think that was a popular thing!! But of course the kids and teenagers that this song was directed towards didn't give a crap about stuff like that, I was one of them!! I kind of remember thinking just the way Amber is thinking about the meaning of this song!!
@@jeffsor47 Jesus was a Jew. What’s your point? He was also Gd incarnate in flesh the second person of the Holy Trinity. He was truly Gd and truly man
@@bernardsalvatore1929 👍 his name transliterated from Hebrew is Yeshua
This was one of my mom's favorite songs. I made sure it was on the playlist at her funeral 5 years ago. It's a great song, I'm glad y'all like it, too. Great reaction! 👍
Loved this when it came out. Now as a 68 year old, it is amazing how many funerals end with this as the walk out music. Brings a smile to many in the crowd!
Since Jay is so into heavy metal & stringed instruments it’s time for you guys to react to “Yuve Yuve Yu” by The HU. They are a Mongolian heavy metal band, and they incorporate traditional Mongolian throat-singing & some really cool looking stringed instruments in their music. The official video is at 89 million views, 1.4 million likes, 78,000 comments, and counting!
Wolf Totem would be another awesome song by them. They have such a unique sound in today's world of music. I don't like heavy metal or hard rock, but there is something about The HU and their musical instruments that just pulls you in.
Especially the version of Wolf Totem with Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach; they need to ease into the Hu.
ok if were going this way we should be hearing In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida By Iron Butterfly. Your mind will be blown.
This song is about 18 minutes long, so prepare yourself.
This song was also featured in the 1987 movie "Maid to order" with Ally Sheedy.
And the song was played by "Doctor and the Medics", which appeared in the movie.
Greenbaum makes a pretty decent living even today from the royalties from all the commercials and movies this song appears in. Just last year it was featured in a key part of the Reacher series on Amazon.
An enduringly spiritual rock classic...
This song always always always moves me. Take me to church, Mr. Greenbaum.
I love the lyrics. Great song.
When he said never sinned THATS a big lie. The bible says we have ALL sinned AND YOU NEED to know that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all sins of the world. All sins are forgiven Past present and future, but you need to believe that he died for you personally died and was buried and rose again And if you put ALL your trust in him and him alone. Nothing you can do to add to your salvation The lord paid for it all. You don't have to go to Hell for ever. If you put all your trust in him you will have so much peace knowing this, Take care God bless you
This is the best rock gospel song ever, listen to it and it makes you feel like you’re hearing of a journey to heaven!! Love it.
The way to the Father is through the Son!! Gospel Rock indeed....
In the mid seventies I was a DJ at an online radio program in Quad Cities, Bettendorf IA! This song only hit by Greenbaum has been used in myriad television & movies since it was released. Now I’m a grandfather of seven & a fan
I am jealous of you guys. Why? Because you are getting to hear and appreciate the great music of the seventies from a knowledgeable perspective and a heritage of the great music since, that has educated you. I was a teenager in the seventies and whilst I loved and danced, or just chilled out to this music, I didn’t have the sense or knowledge to realise how really stupendous it was!!!
Wow, memories of my childhood. We had just moved to Florida when this came out. So lots of fun times on the beach with this song playing on the radio. Y'all should listen to 'Classical Gas'. Same time frame, and another great memory song.
I LOVE the guitar on Classical Gas!
Excellent call! A memorable instrumental by Mason Williams and the legendary Wrecking Crew! Definitely a special part of the fabric of my youth.
Omg yesss Classical Gas is one of those songs that just touches a place in the heart and unlocks all these crazy memories almost like a movie montage.
Psychedelic rock crossed with gospel and a toe-tapping beat. You can't go wrong!
One of the best " vibes " rock has given us ! Thx Norman! - neal a
When acid rock mixes with gospel, you get Norman Greenbaum
Love this song, I've always wanted it played at my funeral
Great song from back of the day...
Even my Christian great-grandmother loved this song, and so did we. So refreshing to hear a song about Jesus played on mainstream radio. There were a lot of born again hippies back then during the Jesus movement, and many of those stayed true to the faith. Keith Green came out of that movement and made some of the most powerful Christian music ever. 🙌
Just an fyi! The guy who wrote wrote it as a lark to see if he could come up with something like the CW stuff he saw on TV in the 50-60's. He was and is an Orthodox Jew, not Christian.
@@imisstoronto3121 And I'm pretty sure he'd have hated Keith Green's abominable music too!
Love Keith Green. When my husband and I became believers we sold all our albums and got hooked on Christian songs. It was an answer to prayer to find Keith Green. Of course we love all genre’s of music and listen to them. My husband loves Skillet, Thousand Foot Crush which is hard rock Christian.
Jay was speechless, and they had him on the fourth clap. Hope you play this for your kids. They will JAM to this. And now that you've heard it, you can still play it and dance anytime you want. Rock and roll really does never forget.
My funeral song when my time comes!! 💯💖
Mine too.
@@mirandaanderson9160 My husband already knows!!
The sound was a "Fuzztone" that someone had built for him. A distortion pedal. Basically, the guitar waveform is driven into clipping.
What first time wow. Best song ever
The riff is so good. The sounds that come out of this song are just so cool.
Confirmed atheist here, this has been a favourite song since it was released. You speak fondly of your church so I was absolutely thrilled you folks caught the riff and the message, thanks for letting me hear it again for the first time.
Um, do you mean it's a song about something other than dying?
This is about the only christian rock song worth squat, maybe along with Jesus Is Alright With Me...and yes, everyone loves it, including atheists.
atheists are fools
@Catholic Firefighter not an atheist but atheists love great music too. Music is not confined to whoever believes their religion alone is the only truth. Handel's Messiah is a masterwork adored by most all who love music, no matter their beliefs because it is a Masterpiece of composition and orchestration. Christians do not have exclusive right to appreciation of music. You have a fatally flawed claim.
@@updownstateyea our real eternal lives just begin with death... Jesus is the way
Great songs and great music will write songs
Spirit in the Sky is genreless and timeless. (it's also 60's gospel-rock lolol). God-tier record.
LOVE LOVE this song. I've told everyone in my family that I want this song played at my funeral!!!! Thank you for reacting to this song. Happy Holidays.
I hope they don't play You Can't Always Get What You Want!
You know my Mother used to sing this to us kids when we were little. She is gone now and I wanted to thank you for this memory.
One of my absolute favorite of all time. 🤩
My family has played this for everyone that has died for decades now. It's awesome!. Let's face it, we all die
I remembered when this song came on the radio the first time. 60 - 70 🎶🎵 is 👍🎸🎵🎶 ❗ Nothing today comes even close to it ❗ Yes I love the 🎸 riff ❗