A promo film for the song was aired on BBC1 Top of the Pops on Thursday 21 January 1971.[2]
Charts
"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" 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]
Airplay
The song had some airplay at Top 40 station WQXI in Atlanta for the week of February 6, 1971.[10]
Charts
"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]
Other versions
1970s
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]
1980s to 2000s
The Solution recorded a version, released in 2007, and Keb Mo released his live version in 2017.[18]