Norman Greenbaum

Norman Greenbaum is a witty folk singer best-known for his instantly recognizable ’70s hit, “Spirit in the Sky.” ∙ As a member of Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band, Greenbaum had his first taste of success with the 1966 novelty single “The Eggplant That Ate Chicago.” ∙ His signature song, 1969’s gospel-rock anthem “Spirit In the Sky,” was a global smash that Rolling Stone later included on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. ∙ In 1970, the feel-good blues-rock single “Canned Ham” stopped just shy of becoming his second Top 40 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. ∙ Petaluma—Greenbaum’s final LP, released in 1972—traded his fuzz-rock notoriety for acoustic-folk songs and featured famed guitarist Ry Cooder on mandolin and slide guitar. ∙ In 1977, he recorded the tongue-in-cheek country-rock single “The Day They Sold Beer in Church,” which remained unreleased until his first greatest-hits compilation was issued in 1995.