Spirit in the Sky

Norman Greenbaum, the writer and performer of the iconic hit, "Spirit in the Sky," turns 70 this year. His story provides hope and inspiration for all of us who create content. Norman was born in 1942 and raised Jewish. He dropped out of school to become a singer/songwriter, and after watching Western movies came up with the fuzzy guitar riff and gospel-style lyrics that became "Spirit in the Sky." Warner music released the single and album in 1969, and the single sold two million copies in 1970. The song is still played today on adult contemporary, oldie, and even gospel channels and is featured prominently in several movies and commercials. You may remember it being used in Apollo 13 and other films. Norman released other albums and had some other charted hits like "Petaluma" although his other most famous song is the novelty hit "The Eggplant that Ate Chicago." Norman's royalties from "Spirit in the Sky," and ancillary products available on his website, support him to this day. Norman still writes and performs -- if you go to his website you can get information about his upcoming concerts: www.spiritinthesky.com. I'm sure after Norman recorded "Spirit in the Sky" he and Warner thought they had something -- but I'm also sure that no one predicted that the song would resonate as long as it did. Something in the music and lyrics makes the song timeless. I believe they'll be singing and playing "Spirit in the Sky" far in the future, when people live throughout the solar system and are sailing for the stars. That's why you must keep creating content, and doing your best with every piece. We never know which song we write is the next "Spirit in the Sky," which television series will be "Seinfeld," or which movie will be "Titanic." If you keep working, your content will become more compelling and your instincts for good work will improve. But we can never know until which one of our creations will be a hit until we send it into the world. So keep working -- perhaps your next work will be the one the Spirit in the Sky smiles on.