He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother Cover
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- Опубликовано: 27 окт 2024
- 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.
Russ , this song has a special meaning to me for 2 reasons . I am employed as a paramedic and this song reminds me why I am in the Emergency Medical Services profession and keeps me going . The second reason is because I lost my youngest brother on 9/9/19 due to a brain aneurysm . During his funeral , I carried his casket along with my younger brother out of the church and then at the cemetery to his grave site .
Derrick...I can certainly understand how this tune can have an impact on you. First, I believe it takes a certain special kind of person to do what you do; without first responders we would all be lost. So thanks. Next, I'm so very sorry to hear about your brother. Unfortunately, you and I are in the same club. I lost my older brother to cancer in 2014; he was four years younger than I am now, which is 58. Best to you, my friend.
Our comfort, Derrick, is that we will see them in Heaven one day. May the Lord console your heart and give you His abundant Grace.
Special to me, as well. I lost my beloved brother Michael in 2022.
One of my favorite songs ever! Your cover is excellent. And the lyrics couldn't be more relevant for any Israeli listening to it in the last 9 months...
Man, everyone of your songs you do so well. A real pleasure to watch and hear.
You sure get around Russ!
LOL...I try.
You, good sir, are phenomenal at it all. Thank you for keeping great music alive and well. Hella talents!
🤜🏽🤛🏽
Aw, Jay...many thanks!
very incredible playing and singing. Thank you too for sharing the history of that song. I love this versions along with the Hollies version. The song stops you in your tracks. It's very meaningful!
Very well done. Excellent musicianship and great clear vocals.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................ pero cuanto talento!!!!!!!! Tu eres un artista!!!!!!!!! Felicitadisimo y medalla de honor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! desde argentina....
Bloody awesome, Russ!
Never too late to go ‘pro’…
Cheers from Malaysia!
My dad's favorit song. Great job, sir
Thanks so much!
Thank you so very much for this song, miss my brother for good😢.
Thanks so much; I really appreciate it! Sorry to hear about your brother. Russ
Russ has more talent than anyone in the music industry, making millions. This song was special to my mom, who passed away in 2004. I haven't heard it since. Thanks again, Russ.
Thanks, Michael; so sorry for your loss.
Best Cover and arrangement. 👍👍👍
Thanks for listening...I appreciate it!
Russ...another top flight cover of an all time classic... Truth be told I am not a musician but only a shower singer... But I know good music when I hear it... Keep up the great work friend
Hi Jeffrey! Maybe you should take a video of you singing in the shower...then again. As always, many thanks!
@@russwilloughby501 I can carry a tune fairly well... Maybe some high harmonies collaborating with you at some point. Audio only !
Credit to a man who makes the massive effort to reply to everybody's comments of which there are clearly many. I'm working through your covers here on RUclips and here is my second and final comment Russ....This comment is not about your musicianship (though you most certainly can out-guitar me, out-keyboard me, out-sing me .... and the fact that you can drum is a bit unfair) and it is not about the fact that you have got more hair than me. It is relating to the point that you appear to know what buttons to press in order to make your excellent audio and video recordings and then go on to post them on RUclips for everybody to appreciate. So here goes: The clock on my video player keeps flashing.....my beta-max video player....
Thanks so much, Mark; I really appreciate all the nice comments...best to you!
Very,very Good....here Brazil!!
Thank you!
Your talent is simply amazing. The care you put into these songs is very touching.
Many thanks....I appreciate it so much!
Thank you love love your voice your my Sunday . Great talent ♥
What WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL job!!!!!!!!!
WOW!! Excellent!!!!
Many thanks!
Hello Russ. Not gonna call it a cover. Your version is spot on start to finish as usual. Vocals are outstanding. You sir are an amazing musician. Continued great success from a fan in suburban Chicago.
Wow, Bob, thanks so much for the kind words; I really appreciate it! Greeting from just a little south of you in Indiana.
Just GREAT!!
Thanks!
I'm grateful i found yah..cheers man.. From Philippines
Thanks a ton!
Damn love you guys.Love how you add a little muscle to these incredible tunes.
Hi Russ,
This is a fantastic cover of a beautiful song with a deep meaning for many of us listeners. It must have been a lot of work, but you did a wonderful job putting this production together! Thanks for the amazing upload, and please make more covers of 1960s British pop classics!!
Best wishes, James
thanks so much, James...really glad you enjoyed it!
Always incredible... thanks, Russ!
Many thanks...glad you liked it!
I just happened across your channel at about 9 pm last night and I stayed up until 2 am listening and watching your videos. Love it! You are my absolute favorite youtube channel. Subscribed and putting likes on everything, there's not one that wasn't fabulous. I'll be back watching your talented and amazing videos over and over again.
Wow, Abner, thank you so very much; I really appreciate the kind words!
Damn good!! Damn good!! Damn good!!
No more, no less, simply good!!!
Really appreciate it a ton..thank you!
I’m just amazed at all your performance’s. Excellent musicianship
Aw, thanks so much!
Excellent job Russ, outstanding vocals.
Thanks Mike, I appreciate it!
Hey Buddy, What you do is totally awesome to say the least. I would love to play just one of the instruments that you play with the precision that you play them. And the harmonies are pure magic. Keep it up my friend. Steve
I'm speechless 😢
Beautiful job on this song
Nice of you to say...thanks a ton!
When I saw it had a dedication to a "Mark", I decided to believe you meant me. My oldest brother passed away from Cancer a year and a half ago, and I listen to this every few days for him.
So sorry to hear about your brother. My brother Mark passed in 2014. Thanks so much for listening.
Amazing, perhaps. Better than original one
I appreciate it, thanks!
As others have said... the wait was rewarded!!! Another absolutely amazing rendition of a great great song!!! Thanks again Russ!!! Absolutely the best on youtube!!
Hi Chris! Hope you are well. Been wanting to do this one for a while...glad I finally got around to it. As always, many thanks! Best to you!
might be one of th best renditions recorded of this song. Truly excellent
Very kind of you to say...thank you!
Ficou incrível, lindo demais.
Brazil
Thanks for listening!
What a Voice... Amazing!
Thank you so much!
He. Ain t heavy is my brother old song but so beautiful I just love it thank you
Thanks so much for listening in!
Dear Russ. God has blessed you with multiple talents and I know you've placed all of that in the hands of our Lord Jesus. God bless you man, this is something I've always wanted to do, I also have multiple talents which I surrender in the hands of the Lord. We are soldiers in Jesus' Army. Blessings to you Brother.
Thanks so much for listening!
I've been waiting. Was it worth the wait? WOW! You bet it was. Absolutely perfect and equal to or better than the Hollies. You're Brother and friends would be so proud. Thank you Russ for a beautiful job.
Thanks so much, Daryl...so glad it didn't disappoint. I appreciate the kind thought about our brothers.
Amazing !
Thanks!
Another amazing job Russ. Truly awesome writeup too, "A fairly unknown musician named Reginald Dwight played piano and got paid 12 pounds. He would later change his name to Elton John" !!! You are great.
Aw, Jim, thanks so much for the nice comments...I appreciate it!
This is real talent, to play all the instruments, provide vocals and make it sound fantastic, just awesome. You Sir, deserve way more subs IMO. Very Nice!
Thanks so much; I certainly appreciate it!
I really enjoy listening to your music thank you 🎶
Glad to hear it...thanks so much for listening!
I just subbed the other day. I'm making my way through your whole catalog of videos. This goes without saying, but I'll still say it. You're an unbelievably great, talented musician and vocalist.
This song, in particular, brings back great memories. My brother and I have always been close, and he's only a year younger. Since we were kids, I'd often go up to him and throw my arm around his neck and sing the chorus, and no matter what was going on, he was forced to crack a smile. I sent him a copy of this video as soon as I finished listening to it. He got a kick out of it. He thanked me for finding it and sharing.
It's been a couple of decades since I've sang that to him, but that'll change the next time I see him, and the setting is right. We're still very close, and although our parents are in their 80's, they are still very active and healthy. We get together all the time, and we live within a 15-minute drive. I've been fortunate to obtain a comfortable life, but when it comes to love and family, I consider myself a very rich man. I appreciate our situation, and I try my best to show that appreciation to my loved ones as much as I can.
Thanks for doing this song. It has had a very positive effect on us over the past few days. I hope you know that you have that effect on the people who watch your videos and that it fulfills you in some way.
Wow, Dominique, thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm so pleased the video sparked such a positive and emotional reaction. Best to you and your brother...and thanks for subbing!
A difficult song. And again, Russ, another excellent performance!
Thanks a ton!
Bravo Russ! How is it possible that every one of your covers is better than the original!?
Many thanks...I appreciate it so much!
Great job my brother! Superb as always
Thanks a ton, Andy!
Great vocals Russ, well great performance all around!!
I really appreciate it...thanks so much!
I love this song very much. Thank for sharing. Great cover.
Thanks very much!
You have delivered not only an excellent, awesome, cover but a very authoritative history of the phrase. Well done! This cover works well without piano too. Congrats.
As an aside, I often see people ascribing the song to veterans and good on all those who do. It well fits. But, it isn't the real etiology of the song, rather it's an adaption, and an appropriate one. Not sure how many arguments I have had on that score and I am a veteran myself with 40+ years service, not with US.
I too lost a younger brother a few years back, so indeed it hits home.
Keep these legends coming Russ and I always appreciate and learn from your insights. Best from the Middle East.
Well done bro! I am on board with you comments. Good one Russ - I am now a new subscriber.
First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your brother...it's not an envious club to be in.
You know, the great thing about music is how it can mean different things to different people. Unless someone is completely off the mark (like saying "Yesterday" is really about "Tomorrow"), there really is no right or wrong. That said, while I completely understand the connection this tune can have to veterans, I'm fairly certain the intended meaning has a much broader scope.
I always appreciate your kind comments....many thanks.
One of the most beatiful song in the world! Whiter Shade of Pale are in the same league!
I agree...they're both great tunes. thanks so much for listening!
Yes, excellent, your super good , love all of them! Glad I found your website
Glad you like them, and glad you found me, too! Thanks!
This cover made me tear up...thinking of my brother..Gary, I miss you so much. Gotta say I'm sorry if I was not there enough for you. Please forgive me, I'm so sorry. I love you!
Oh Ron, so sorry about your brother, Gary. We're both in a club that no one wants to be in. Thanks so much for listening.
If I'm close, we are in similar age. Powerful vocals! You've taken good care of your vocals for sure. You are also what a musician really is. 👍
Wow, thank you!
Perfect !
Great job as always Russ! Spot on 3 part harmony and definitely not easy song to sing. I believe Elton John plays the piano on it (before he was famous). You continue to amaze!
Thanks a lot, Frank! Yes, Elton was paid 12 pounds to play on the tune. Now he would charge that much just to drive by a studio.
@@russwilloughby501 Gorgeous job, Russ, and Elton trivia too! A++
Good voice. Loved it alot
Fantastic!
Thanks!
Outstanding, very touching. I listen to it again
Thanks so much for listening; I'm really glad you liked it!
Wonderful rendition, Russ, and very touching.
I was spying your semi-hollow IVY as well. I recently bought a cheapy green Firefly FF338 with an English racing stripe. Terrific after a cleaning, better strings and a setup. Vrroom!
I can see why Tony Hicks could visualize that for The Hollies. I immediately pictured Allan Clarke hitting those high notes. I have no idea how you manage that. I'd need a hernia operation trying that. 🤣
Thanks, Stan. As always, I really appreciate it.
I almost went with the red racing stripe Firefly. I also looked at the Eart version of a 338. I went with the IYV mainly because I had an Amazon gift card sitting around doing nothing, and amazon doesn't sell Firefly. For the most part I'm happy with it (I did leave a review on Amazon if you have absolutely nothing else to do). Like you with your Firefly I did have to put a little work into it.
Guitar Fetish has their XGP Jaguar/Jazzmaster bodies back in stock...so I have one and a neck on order.
Always a pleasure, Stan!
Russ--Excellent job!! You are very,very talented!! 👍👍
So glad you liked it...many thanks!
Omg this song is legendary as we all know and once again Russ just makes it sound like it was his from the start. Love this channel, love you as an artist of your music craft. I believe music is heavenly and it soothes the soul, especially from someone as talented as you, keep it coming mate, thanks so much.
As always, I appreciate the kind words so much....many, many thanks!
Thank you Russ, my closest friend hit the self destruct button in 2019, we were classmates from 1983, how or why he chose the extreme step is something I cannot answer neither do I have the intelligence to comprehend the same. Like they say a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Your version did justice to this classic. I hope you continue to make music for many more years and share your talent with the rest of us. As always much love from India/Roby.
Sorry Roby for the delay in responding; I was on vacation for two weeks. So sorry to hear about your friend; it never makes sense as to why people take that extreme step. It has nothing to do with your intelligence to comprehend.
@@russwilloughby501 I weep man as i read this. i hope where ever Eddi is , he finds peace.
Brilliant. Really remarkable. Well done.
Many thanks!
Wow! The high notes at 0:41 are very very difficult but you simply nailed it, sir. Congrats on this performance. Outstanding!!!!
Thanks for listening...I appreciate it very much!
Your best harmonies yet. Truly brilliant.
Thanks a million...I appreciate it!
Love this Russ. The kickoff on the organ sounds so clear and precise. Seems to feel like you are very intentional through the whole process about your brother and friends brothers... like the memories are flowing. Thanks for sharing so much of your talents and abilities. Really moving. Your recording audio quality is always so solid!
Many thanks, Adam. Yes, Mark was with me the entire time. I appreciate the kind words.
Russ,
You are truly amazing. My husband has started watching your music with me and he is absolutely flabbergasted at how you sound so much like the originals - even better in some instances. Thank you!!!!
That is awesome! Thank you so much!
Love it, and great vocals
Wow. Very impressive sir! I love this cover the best of all I've tried.
Wow, thank you!
Felicitaciones, te salió muy bien ¡¡ Congratulations, sounds terrific ¡¡
Thank you!
Fantabulous heartfelt cover Russ. One of your very best
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much, Mark. I really appreciate all the nice comments...best to you!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
I enjoyed this cover a lot...thanks for sharing it Russ !!!
Thanks to you, too! I appreciate it so much.
This song now has an extra special meaning to me, as I have now lost my 3 older brothers. Today is the 22nd anniversary of my brother John's passing. Listening to your great voice with tears in my eyes..😔 Love your songs and your voice!!
Oh Helen, so very sorry to hear of the loss of your brothers. Hopefully the tune has brought back some great memories. Best to you, and thanks very much.
So good Russ! Such talent 🎵
Thanks, dear.....hope you're doing well!
This song is my introduction to your channel. Wow! Great cover. I too have lost a brother and I think of him whenever I hear this song. Thanks.
So sorry to hear that....best to you. Thanks for listening.
great stuff mate...all the way from Australia..
Thank you very much!
Great man keep them coming 👏
Will do, thanks so much!
WOW ...I love this song
very good, excellent! greetings from Brazil!
Thank you very much!
wow......great job brother.......you ain'y heavy.....you are great !
Many thanks, Larry...I appreciate it!
Essa música toca muito aqui no Rio de Janeiro na radio jb fm 99,99. Na sua voz ficou lindíssima. Parabéns! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Many thanks!
jag har inte ofta hört den på radion. kanske hörde i soundtracket till filmen withnail and i? eller vilken film var det? den med river phoenix?! den jag hört mest på mainstream ställen är extremes "more than words" men jag säger jag älskar dig till bella hela tiden ändå 😛
Masterful!
I appreciate that...thanks!
wonderful
Thanks!
A very beautiful voice!
Many thanks!
Great job! I got here because of Rambo III final
Huh, that's a first! Thanks so much!
Wow! Very impressive! Every part done perfectly with spot on editing! Amazing
Thank you so much, Jim!
First of all, I'm sorry about the loss of your own brother. Lastly, I like The Hollies and enjoy watching the Osmonds and you do the song of course! Beautiful how songs touch people differently and can mean different things for each
Thanks very much, Heather...I really appreciate the nice comments. Music certainly has the ability to heal, and to help us remember.
This is so lovely!!
Thanks so much!
Great, great, great!
Thanks, thanks, thanks!
Awesome
I appreciate it!
This is a fun cover to do . Good job .
Thank you, Paul!
Excellent！ I respect you ！
I appreciate that...thanks so much!
Damn good job !
Thanks so much, Steve!
Amazing cover thanks a lot
Glad you liked it! Many thanks!
Great job! And one of my all-time favorite songs. If we lived in the same city, we'd probably be in the same band. (My band covers many of the same songs you do.)
Thanks, Tim! Since you play the same tunes I'm sure we would meet up eventually.