Santa Rosa, Calif.

THE last time Norman Greenbaum had a hit record, Richard Nixon was in his first term as president. It was back in 1969 when Mr. Greenbaum released his most popular song, a guitar-drenched rock anthem called “Spirit in the Sky.” The tune climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard pop chart that year and went on to sell more than two million copies. It was Mr. Greenbaum’s first Top 40 hit, and as it turned out, his last.

But in an industry full of one-hit wonders, Norman Greenbaum is that rarest of creatures — a performer who has finally managed to make a living off the one hit. That’s because Mr. Greenbaum’s song, an arresting mixture of old-time gospel and a killer fuzz guitar riff, has in recent years become the quintessential soundtrack for movies and TV commercials.

At last count, “Spirit in the Sky” has been featured in 32 movies (including “The Longest Yard,” “Ocean’s 11,” “Superstar,” “Apollo 13” and “Wayne’s World 2”) and more than a dozen national television ads (for companies like Nike, HBO, American Express and Toyota). “Spirit in the Sky” has also appeared on at least 50 compilation CDs and in more than a dozen television shows, and has spawned innumerable cover versions, two of which were major international hits in their own right (for Doctor & the Medics in 1986 and Gareth Gates and the Kumars in 2003).

“Spirit in the Sky” has become the song that won’t die, a wailing rite of passage for two generations of rock fans, and more to the point, Mr. Greenbaum’s 401(k) plan. Even though Mr. Greenbaum long ago signed away the publishing rights to his song, as the song’s performer, he still receives a cut of the revenue. Each time “Spirit in the Sky” lands in a major movie or ad, he cashes a check for $10,000 or more.