“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” #7 3/21/1970

Although the Hollies were still successful back in the UK, they hadn’t had a major hit in America since “Carrie Anne” in 1967. This single changed everything. The title phrase dated from 1800’s Scotland and had been used in a 1924 story from the very first issue of Kiwanis magazine, and also as a slogan by Boys Town in the 1940’s. The song featured the piano of a yet-relatively unknown Elton John, still a session musician. Video is from Britain’s “Top Of The Pops.”