Part 3/9:
Born into an Orthodox Jewish family, Greenbaum's creation of "Spirit in the Sky" is a remarkable contradiction. While he started his career in the folk scene, devouring Southern Blues and Gospel sounds, he eventually made an audacious shift into psychedelic rock—a decision that would lead to his breakout hit. Greenbaum's early forays into music included his stint with a Jug Band and his solo performances before catching the attention of producer Eric Jacobson, who helped him secure a contract with Reprise Records.