He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother "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 again for Neil Diamond in 1970. It has been recorded by many artists in subsequent years. The Hollies' and Rufus Wainwright's versions of the song were featured in the film "Zoolander". Scott and Russell had been introduced to each other by Johnny Mercer, at a California nightclub. Although Russell was dying of lymphoma and the pair met in
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