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He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother original

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The Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother original: a poignant ballad

In the late 1960s, songwriters Bobby Scott and Bob Russell wrote their only collaboration, the ballad “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. The song became a worldwide hit for English rock group the Hollies in late 1969. It was also a hit for Neil Diamond the following year. Earlier in 1969, American singer, songwriter and record producer Kelly Gordon released the “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” original. This song about helping others is one of the most famous ballads in the world and has beautiful lyrics. It’s all the more poignant when you learn that Russell was dying of lymphoma at the time he and Scott wrote the song.

Angel of the Morning original

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Angel of the Morning original & two hit covers

In 1967, songwriter Chip Taylor wrote “Angel of the Morning”. The song was about premarital sex, a topic mainstream media at the time still considered as taboo. “Angel of the Morning” earned American singer Merrilee Rush a Grammy nomination in 1968. Country rock singer Juice Newton released the most successful version in 1981. She also received a Grammy nomination for the song in the same category as Rush. However, Brooklyn-born Evie Sands released the “Angel of the Morning” original back in 1967.

The Air That I Breathe Original

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The Air That I Breathe originally written in LA

In 1972 songwriting duo Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood wrote “The Air That I Breathe” shortly after they moved to Los Angeles. The song’s protagonist doesn’t need anything besides the love of his girlfriend. Hammond recorded the “Air That I Breathe” original on his 1972 album It Never Rains in Southern California. In 1974 the song became a major hit for English rock group The Hollies.

Wind Beneath My Wings Original

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A Wind Beneath My Wings original from Kamahl

American songwriters Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley penned “Wind Beneath My Wings” in 1982. In 2002, this was apparently the most-played song at British funerals, and even in 2019 ranked in the top 10 funeral songs. “Wind Beneath My Wings” is Bette Midler’s signature song. But did you ever know that the “Wind Beneath My Wings” original was recorded by none other than our very own Kamahl?

A Touch of Paradise Original

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Mondo Rock’s Touch of Paradise Original

“A Touch Of Paradise” is about an unknown place that is … well, paradise. Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock frontman), Gulliver Smith (Australian prog rock band Company Caine’s frontman) and Roger McLachlan (Little River Band bass player) wrote the song in the late 1970s. “A Touch Of Paradise” appeared on John Farnham’s iconic 12th studio album, 1986’s Whispering Jack, released during his splendiferous mullet heyday. Rock band Mondo Rock released the “A Touch Of Paradise” original in 1982. It appeared on their third studio album Nuovo Mondo.

Check out Whispering Jack albums and merch

Are You Lonesome Tonight Original

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Are You Lonesome Tonight Origins

Tin Pan Alley songwriters Roy Turk and Lou Handman wrote “Are You Lonesome Tonight” back in 1926. In April 1960, after his two-year service in the United States Army, Elvis Presley recorded the song. Presley’s version became one of the most recognisable tunes of all time, going double platinum in 1992. However the “Are You Lonesome Tonight” original recording was made in 1927 by vaudevillian singer Charles Hart.