The story of the song ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ is a poignant one that has stood the test of time. This song was written by Bobby Russell while battling cancer, and it was later performed by The Hollies in 1969, reaching high positions on several charts worldwide. The song’s title comes from the logo for Boys Town, a community established in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan in Omaha, Nebraska, where homeless and troubled boys could receive help. The phrase “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” captures the spirit of Boys Town and has become synonymous with charity.
The song’s origin story is intertwined with the history of Boys Town. Father Flanagan came across a magazine illustration of two brothers, one carrying the other on his back, with the caption, “He ain’t heavy, Mr., he’s my brother.” The priest believed the image, and the phrase perfectly embodied Boys Town’s ideals. So he commissioned a statue of the drawing, which became the charity’s logo. Boys Town eventually started accepting girls, and the logo was updated to include a girl carrying a younger girl.
The Two Brothers concept precedes the magazine illustration that Father Flanagan saw. In 1921, a resident of Boys Town who had difficulty walking would often be given rides on the other boys’ backs. A famous photograph captures one of the other youths giving him a ride.
The Hollies’ version of ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ was successful, reaching high positions on charts worldwide. Interestingly, Joe Cocker was offered the song before The Hollies but turned it down. The song’s slow and soulful version had been played to his producer Denny Cordell by Kelly Gordon, who had written the song ‘That’s Life.’ Tony Hicks from The Hollies liked the song and asked for an exclusive the following day after listening to the version.
The song’s timeless quality and message of brotherly love have touched millions of hearts over the years. Likewise, the audience’s positive reactions and applause to The Hollies’ performance of this song were, and still are, palpable.
The year 1969 was a significant year for the world in many ways. The Vietnam War was ongoing, and the Civil Rights Movement was at its height. President Richard Nixon had taken office that year, and the first moon landing was soon to occur. A gallon of milk costs around $1.10, and a dozen eggs cost around 60 cents. The price of a gallon of gas was about 35 cents.
Watch The Hollies perform ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ and be moved by the song’s message of brotherly love and the selflessness it embodies. Share this video with your friends because it reminds us that we all need to care for and support each other in times of need.
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