The Civic Broadside · Community Strong

Spirit in the Sky, Sung at Home

Norman Greenbaum celebrates Spirit in the Sky, in hometown Malden
Published · Updated

October 16th was the ribbon cutting at the "Spirit in the Sky" mural on Exchange Street. Recording artist and Malden native Norman Greenbaum arrived with a small group of friends, and a large group of Maldonians awaiting his arrival.

Artist Jesse Melanson, and artist assistant Megan Lacy, were there and it was splendid to see how happy everyone was.

Greenbaum's song has been referred to as one of the "most recognizable songs in the world", appearing in more than 20 movies and commercials, including Apollo 13. His song reportedly sold two million copies in 1969 and 1970. He certainly sold a few more after tonight's performance!

Melanson's skybound mural was also praised by attendees.

We shouldn't waste a lot of written words on this article. Enjoy the photos. Watch the short video. You'll see and hear Norman and some of his many Malden friends singing along to a classic "Spirit in the Sky" in front of the amazing mural.

Malden News Network's original video of the performance, posted to YouTube by request of our viewers.1

Greenbaum gives new meaning to air guitar — absolutely one of the best performances of it we've ever seen! His song has been described as a "combination of 'heavy' guitar, hand-clapping, and spiritual lyrics." You could hear it all in Malden tonight.

Today was uniquely Malden. A "Play-in" at Roosevelt Park — organized by parents and teachers — followed by a sing-along a mile away organized by Malden Arts. Neat place to live!

Norman Greenbaum returning to Malden
Greenbaum returns home.
Norman Greenbaum greeting friends and fans
Greeting old friends.
Crowd gathering for the Malden Arts event
The crowd gathers.
Greenbaum and Melanson with a large turnout
A big turnout for the ribbon cutting.
A biographical sketch of Greenbaum displayed at the mural
Greenbaum's story, painted into the mural itself.
The crowd applauding
Applause.
Greenbaum meeting fans
Meeting fans after the performance.
Norman Greenbaum playing air guitar to huge applause
The air guitar heard 'round Malden.
Norman Greenbaum and Jesse Melanson together
Greenbaum and Melanson, songwriter and painter.
From concept sketch to finished mural
From concept to finished mural.
Crowds at the ribbon cutting
The crowd, mural behind.
The crowd lingering after the performance
Nobody wanted to leave.
The gathering at Exchange Street
The gathering on Exchange Street.
The mural on its street corner
"Spirit in the Sky," on its corner.
The finished mural, full view
The finished mural.
The mural's painted clouds and orbs rising skyward
Rising to the sky.
Sources
Notes
  1. Malden News Network's original Facebook video of the performance, October 16, 2019 (lower resolution than the YouTube version above). https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2677014195684167 ←
A disclosure: Editorial note: this story originally appeared on Malden News Network's Facebook page on October 16, 2019. It is republished here on The Civic Broadside's platform, with light formatting only — the reporting is unchanged.
Corrections: This piece reflects our understanding of the matter as of publication and is based on public documents. We make reasonable efforts to ensure substantial accuracy. If you believe we've gotten a significant fact wrong, please email us so we can look into it.
Email: MaldenNewsNetwork@gmail.com