Co-written and first recorded (as an instrumental) by The James Last Orchestra (1969).
Hit versions by Nick DeCaro (MOR #22 1969), Petula Clark (US #62/MOR #12 1969/AUS #22), Andy Williams (US #22/MOR #1/UK #19/AUS #22 1969).
https://youtu.be/eQdBssV02a0
From the wiki: “‘Happy Heart’ was written by James Last and Jackie Rae, and was first recorded as an instrumental by The James Last Orchestra in 1969. It was first covered by Nick DeCaro, a version which enjoyed modest success in the US on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. ‘Happy Heart’ would go on to be recorded by both Petula Clark and Andy Williams, and released as a single by each almost simultaneously in 1969. Clark’s ‘Happy Heart’ reached #12 on the Easy Listening chart and #62 on the Billboard Hot 100; Williams’ version peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, #19 in the UK, and spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. Clark was reportedly dismayed when Williams was a guest star on her second TV special, with the plan to perform ‘Happy Heart’ at the time each were planning to launch ‘Happy Heart’ as their next respective single.
“Co-writer Jackie Rae was a Canadian singer, songwriter and television performer. He began performing at the age of three with his brother and sister on the vaudeville circuit in Canada. During World War II, Rae flew Spitfires as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. After four years as head of the CBC’s radio and television division, in 1956 Rae stepped in front of the camera as star of TV’s The Jackie Rae Show, which aired for two seasons before he relocated to London, where he hosted the BBC television series Jackie Rae Presents and Sunday Night at the Palladium. Rae also co-authored Engelbert Humperdinck’s ‘When There’s No You’ and Tony Bennett’s ‘Dream Just a Dream.'”
Nick DeCaro, “Happy Heart” (1969):
Petula Clark, “Happy Heart” (1969):
Andy Williams, “Happy Heart” (1969):