He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother Town children's home by founder Father Edward Flanagan. The Hollies' recording, which featured Elton John on piano, was released in the UK on 1 September 1969 and on 1 December 1969 in the US. It reached No. 3 in the UK and No. 7 in the US. The song, paired with rarity "Carrie", was re-released in late 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. Neil Diamond's version of the song, recorded for his "Tap Root Manuscript"
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother album, went to No. 20 on the "Billboard" Hot 100 chart in late 1970. The Osmonds covered the song on their 1970 album, "Osmonds", as well as on the B-side of their chart-topper "One Bad Apple". The song is a staple at their concerts. Olivia Newton-John included the song on her 1975 album "Clearly Love", and it was released as the B-side of the single "Let It Shine" in January 1976. The single went to number one on the US Easy Listening (adult contemporary) chart and number thirty on the "Billboard" Hot 100. The Neil Diamond version entered at #68