Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a ballad written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. Originally recorded by Kelly Gordon in 1969, the song became a worldwide hit for the Hollies later that year and also a hit for Neil Diamond in 1970. It has been recorded by many artists in subsequent years. The Hollies' version was re-released in 1988 and again was a major hit in the UK.
The Hollies recorded the song in June 1969 at the EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios), with Allan Clarke on lead vocals. According to Tony Hicks, he was given a demo recorded by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell when he was looking for songs to record, but found it too slow. The band sped up the song, and added an orchestra when they recorded the song. Elton John, who was working as a session musician at the time, played piano on the song, as well their next single, "I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top". Elton John was paid £12 for his work on the song.
The song was released on 26 September 1969 and reached No. 3 in the UK, and No. 7 in the US.[5] The song was re-released in August 1988 in the UK following its use in a television advertisement for Miller Lite beer. It reached the No. 1 spot in the UK chart for two weeks in September 1988.
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a ballad written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. Originally recorded by Kelly Gordon in 1969, the song became a worldwide hit for the Hollies later that year and also a hit for Neil Diamond in 1970. It has been recorded by many artists in subsequent years. The Hollies' version was re-released in 1988 and again was a major hit in the UK.
The Hollies recorded the song in June 1969 at the EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios), with Allan Clarke on lead vocals. According to Tony Hicks, he was given a demo recorded by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell when he was looking for songs to record, but found it too slow. The band sped up the song, and added an orchestra when they recorded the song. Elton John, who was working as a session musician at the time, played piano on the song, as well their next single, "I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top". Elton John was paid £12 for his work on the song.
The song was released on 26 September 1969 and reached No. 3 in the UK, and No. 7 in the US.[5] The song was re-released in August 1988 in the UK following its use in a television advertisement for Miller Lite beer. It reached the No. 1 spot in the UK chart for two weeks in September 1988.
