"Heavy Makes You Happy" was a hit song for Bobby Bloom in 1971. The song was written by Jeff Barry and Bloom, while Barry produced it. It was also a hit for The Staple Singers. Other artists who have recorded it include, The Alabama State Troupers, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Claudja Barry, The Solution and Keb' Mo'.
| Heavy Makes You Happy | |
| Artist: | Bobby Bloom |
| Album: | The Bobby Bloom Album |
| A-Side: | Heavy Makes You Happy |
| B-Side: | Give 'Em a Hand |
| Label: | Polydor 2001-122 |
| Producer: | Jeff Barry |
| Chronology: | UK |
Bobby Bloom's version was released in the UK by Polydor Records in 1970, in support of the album, The Bobby Bloom Album.[1]
A promo film for the song was aired on BBC1 Top of the Pops on Thursday 21 January 1971.[2]
"Heavy Makes You Happy" debuted in the Melody Maker Pop 30 chart at No. 28 for the week of January 30, 1971.[3] On the main UK singles chart, it peaked at No. 31 on January 31.[4]
| Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom) | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | The Staple Singers |
| Album: | The Staple Swingers |
| B-Side: | Love is Plentiful |
| Recorded: | 1970 |
| Studio: | Rhythm recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios |
| Length: | 2:58 |
| Label: | Stax STA-0083 |
| Producer: | Al Bell |
| Prev Title: | Love Is Plentiful |
| Prev Year: | 1970 |
| Next Title: | You've Got to Earn It |
| Next Year: | 1971 |
"Heavy Makes You Happy" was recorded by the Staple Singers. It was a hit on the Billboard and Cash Box charts.[5] Backed with a Bettye Crutcher, Bobby Manuel composition, "Love is Plentiful",[6] [7] the single was released on Stax STA 0083 in November, 1970.[8] [9]
The song had some airplay at Top 40 station WQXI in Atlanta for the week of February 6, 1971.[10]
"Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)" debuted at no. 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on the week of February 6, 1971. It peaked at no. 27 on April 10 and spent a total of 12 weeks in the chart.[11] [12]
It debuted at no. 33 in the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart on the week of February 6. It peaked at no. 6 on April 3 and spent a total of 13 weeks in the chart.[13] [14]
It debuted at no. 93 in the Cash Box Top 100 chart on February 20, 1971. It peaked no. 24 on April 3, and spent a total of ten weeks in the chart.[15] [16]
The Alabama State Troupers released a live version of the song in 1972. It was recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips and released in 1973, Claudja Barry recorded a version which was in 1978.[17]
The Solution recorded a version, released in 2007, and Keb Mo released his live version in 2017.[18]