Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” had its origins long before it became the beloved 1969 pop-rock classic most listeners recognize today. The phrase can be traced back to a story published in 1918 in Ralph Waldo Trine’s The Higher Powers of Mind and Spirit. In the anecdote, a young Scottish girl is seen carrying her larger brother up a hill. When someone asks if the burden tires her, she responds with the now-famous sentiment: “No, he’s not heavy; he’s my brother.” That short but powerful line eventually became a motto of compassion when Father Edward Flanagan adopted it for Boys Town in the 1940s. Decades later, songwriters Bob Russell and Bobby Scott transformed the phrase into a song with a message centered on empathy, unity, and devotion.
The Hollies recorded what would become the iconic version in June of 1969 at Abbey Road Studios. They adjusted the tempo, layered in the rich harmonies that defined their sound, and included piano played by then-session musician Elton John. When released on September 26, 1969, the single quickly rose to No. 3 in the United Kingdom and No. 7 in the United States, ultimately solidifying its place as a timeless anthem of support and togetherness.
Almost forty years after its release, The Osmond Brothers—a group whose musical journey began back in the early 1960s—chose to feature the song as a symbolic centerpiece during their Live in Las Vegas: 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert. Filmed in 2007 and later issued on DVD by Denon Records, the televised event brought together Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Donny Osmond, with guest appearances from Jimmy and Marie. The performance celebrated decades of both group achievements and individual milestones. Their cover appeared alongside hits such as “Crazy Horses” and “One Bad Apple,” yet it stood apart for its emotional weight.
Onstage, their version of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” was far more than a tribute—it echoed a lifetime of shared struggles and successes. Retaining the orchestral richness of the original while showcasing their signature family harmonies, the Osmonds’ performance highlighted not only respect for the classic, but also the enduring power of loyalty, unity, and brotherhood.