He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother Cover

The origin of this week's “Remake of a Classic” supposedly dates back to the 1884 book, “The Parables of Jesus” by James Wells, Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland. In the book he tells the story of a little girl struggling to carry a baby boy. When asked if she was tired, she replied, “No. He's na heavy. He's mi brither.” In 1924 Roe Fulkerson, the first editor of Kiwanis Magazine, published a column entitled, “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother”, which was the first use of the phrase exactly as is in the song. In the 1940s, Father Edward Flanagan, the founder of the children's home Boys Town, adapted the phrase, “He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother” as the home's slogan.

Written by Bob Russell and Bobby Scott, the tune was originally recorded in 1969 by Kelly Gordon, a producer who has worked with artists like Glen Campbell, Aretha Franklin, and David Lee Roth. Joe Cocker was offered this song before The Hollies grabbed it, but he turned it down. The Hollies guitarist, Tony Hicks, was searching for new material, and went to the offices of Cyril Shane Music Ltd & Pedro Music Ltd in England. At the end of the visit, producer Ron Richards said he wanted to play Hicks this wonderful song; not because he thought it was right for The Hollies, but just because it was a good song. Richards was surprised when Hicks said, “That's the one." The Hollies' version was released on September 26, 1969. A fairly unknown musician named Reginald Dwight played piano and got paid 12 pounds. He would later change his name to Elton John.

Over the years the song has been covered by the likes of Neil Diamond, Olivia Newton-John, Bill Medly of The Righteous Brothers, The Osmonds, and the Justice Collective. In August 1988 The Hollies re-released the tune in the UK after it was used in a television commercial for Miller Beer. It reached #1 for two weeks.

Covering this song was a lot of work. Not wanting to slaughter Sir Elton's piano work, I decided to play it on guitar instead. Have to say I'm very pleased with the tone I got out of my new semi-hollow IYV guitar. Nice and warm.

Being someone who has lost a brother, this tune really hits home. While putting this together I thought a lot about him. I also thought about two great friends who've also suffered the same loss. So this is for them...and our brothers.