Who has heard the original version - “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”?

[Bretrick]

This is the first time I have heard the original song by Kelly Gordon.
I was reading about the 60s music scene and came across this song.
The Hollies almost made it there own, selling over 1 million copies.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother - Kelly Gordon 18th Jan 1969

 

[hollydolly]

Yes I've heard it before, not too dissimilar to the Hollies hit.. he released it in '69 the same year The Hollies had a hit with it.. the had a second hit with it in '88


from Wiki

In a 1918 publication by Ralph Waldo Trine titled The Higher Powers of Mind and Spirit, Trine relates the following anecdote: "Do you know that incident in connection with the little Scottish girl? She was trudging along, carrying as best she could a boy younger, but it seemed almost as big as she herself, when one remarked to her how heavy he must be for her to carry, when instantly came the reply: 'He's na heavy. He's mi brither.'"[2]

 

[davey]

Nice presentation @Bretrick but still prefer the Hollies version personally

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I prefer the Hollies version also.

 

[Mr. Ed]

He anin’t my brother, he’s just heavy

 

[Packerjohn]

I thought the "Righteous Brothers" did it but I could be wrong???

Yes, I guess "The Hollies" did it. Those Righteous guys were famous for "You Lost That Loving Feeling."

 

[Bretrick]

I thought the "Righteous Brothers" did it but I could be wrong???

Yes, I guess "The Hollies" did it. Those Righteous guys were famous for "You Lost That Loving Feeling."

The Righteous Brothers never recorded the song.
There are 125 covers of this song, the latest recording being;

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Distance 2022​

 

[Bretrick]

Here is another original song many people would not have known about.
Rhinestone Cowboy - Larry Weiss 1974

Cover
Rhinestone Cowboy - Glen Campbell 1975

 

[SeaBreeze]

This is the first time I have heard the original song by Kelly Gordon.
I was reading about the 60s music scene and came across this song.
The Hollies almost made it there own, selling over 1 million copies.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother - Kelly Gordon 18th Jan 1969

 

[Ruthanne]

This is the first time I have heard the original song by Kelly Gordon.
I was reading about the 60s music scene and came across this song.
The Hollies almost made it there own, selling over 1 million copies.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother - Kelly Gordon 18th Jan 1969

Wow, I never heard that version before! Great song. I can't say I like one better. Love them both

 

[Bretrick]

The original version of The Banks of the Ohio
Piedmont Log Rollers 1928

Cover
Banks of the Ohio - Olivia Newton-John 1971