'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..
