Norman Greenbaum was a Jewish kid who watched Porter Wagoner sing gospel on TV and figured, how hard could it be? About fifteen minutes later he had “Spirit in the Sky,” a fuzz-guitar stomp about dying and going home to Jesus. It sold two million copies, which proves the Holy Spirit has a sense of humor and a decent distortion pedal. The theology is a little loose, but the hope is solid: when this life is done, there’s a Friend waiting who already paid the way. Play it loud. It’s the closest thing to a revival most radio stations ever allowed.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
— JC
