'Fraternity' literally translated means brotherhood, so I chose this week to sing a song by The Hollies, 'He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother'.
The story behind this song starts way back in 1918 when a boy called Howard Loomis was abandoned by his Mother at Father Flannagans Home For Boys. Howard had suffered with polio and had to wear heavy leg braces so he could move around. Walking was hard but particularly when going up or down the stairs. The other boys in the orphanage helped by carrying him. One day Father Flanagan asked one of the boys, Reuben Granger, if Howard was heavy. Reuben replied 'He ain't heavy mister...he's m' brother. The motto was taken up by the charity 'Boys Town' which helps young people.
The writers of the song were Bobby Scott and Bob Russell and they had used the Boys Town motto as inspiration for the song. It was offered to Joe Cocker first who turned it down. The Hollies however, ran with it, adding orchestra and the iconic harmonica solo at the start and end.
Unfortunately I can't play harmonica, so I played the solo on the piano. I recorded the vocal separately, as the piano part is a bit tricky to concentrate on whilst trying to do the vocal justice. Then I struggled to synchronise the videos..I almost managed it....I hope you enjoy listening to it despite the piano video not quite being in sync..
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Good presentation
Thank you for listening to it.
You are welcome
I didn't know the story behind this, so thanks for the background. When I saw the topic I wondered if someone would do the song.
Nicely done. Piano Barbara looks like she's concentrating hard.
!PIZZA
Ah thanks Steve and yes 'piano Barbara' was concentrating very very hard...😂
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@steevc(3/5) tipped @purplesinger
I had heard this song before, but I had no idea what it was about until recently when my husband told me about it and it really shocked me because it is such a strong story.
Great choice and also your interpretation was great.
thank you so much for listening to my performance.
Espectacular presentación. La manera en que te desenvuelves en el teclado y tu canto son tan agradables para mi @purplesinger 😍
thank you so much for listening.
Wowww excelente tema mi amiga, me recordaste mi infancia y no porque haya vivido en esa época 😂🤣 soy un niño, pero mi mamá escuchaba un programa radial llamado Entre Decadas, sólo temas de los 60,70 y 80. Ahí conocí temas como estos, te quedó perfecto 👏👏👏😁
Muchas gracias por escuchar mi actuación y por sus amables comentarios. Me encanta la música de los 60's y 70's. Era una época más simple.
this is simply profesional !
i enjoyed listening!
your interpretation was awe inspiring and straight to teh point!
thanks from bringing this song to us!
Great work!
Thank you so much for listening and commenting. Coming from you, a compliment means a lot.
The write up is 🔥🔥😍
The song is also a perfect fit for the topic
Nice one purple
Thank you so much for reading and listening, and then writing a comment too.
wow what a beautiful way to interpret the song! Your voice was beautiful, resonating everywhere, and you play the keyboard great! 💘✨ Do you have any official songs on your Youtube channel?
I am writing to you translated into English since you wrote to me in Spanish hehe, very courtesy, perfect hehe. I hope you are very well, healthy and blessed!