Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” Soars Again with First-Ever Music Video

Image courtesy of Craft Recordings

More than 50 years after its iconic fuzzed-out guitar riff first hit the airwaves, Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” has received its first official music video—inviting a new generation to ride along for the joyride. Directed by Laurence Harlan Jacobs (Have You Ever Seen the Rain), the video stars rising talents Conor Sherry (Snack Shack, Happy Gilmore 2) and Abby Ryder Fortson (Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret), with a surprise cameo from Greenbaum himself.

Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, the feel-good short taps into ‘80s teen movie energy while grounding itself in modern themes—like tech fatigue and analog nostalgia. It’s a heartfelt call to unplug and make real memories, all soundtracked by one of rock’s most enduring anthems. The track also gets a sonic upgrade, now available in Dolby Atmos®, while the Spirit in the Sky album has been reissued on vinyl.

Greenbaum calls the project “super great,” and we agree—this is how you breathe new life into a classic.