About the song
“I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy March is a quintessential pop hit from the early 1960s, embodying the innocence and romanticism of the era. Released in 1963, the song became an instant sensation, propelling the 15-year-old singer to stardom. The song was originally a French instrumental titled “Chariot,” composed by Franck Pourcel and Paul Mauriat. English lyrics were later written by Norman Gimbel and Arthur Altman, transforming the melody into the unforgettable hit we know today.
Little Peggy March, born Margaret Annemarie Battavio, was discovered at a young age, and her powerful voice made her stand out among her peers. When “I Will Follow Him” was released by RCA Victor, it quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1963. This achievement made March the youngest female artist ever to have a number-one hit on that chart, a record she still holds to this day.
The song’s lyrics express a deep, unwavering devotion, with the narrator vowing to follow her love wherever he goes. The earnestness of the lyrics, coupled with March’s impassioned vocal delivery, resonated with audiences worldwide. The song’s catchy, upbeat rhythm, driven by a strong orchestral arrangement, made it a favorite on radio stations and jukeboxes alike. Beyond its success in the United States, “I Will Follow Him” also charted internationally, becoming a hit in several countries, including the UK and Australia.
“I Will Follow Him” remains a classic of the girl group era, even though it was sung by a solo artist. It’s a song that has endured through the decades, thanks in part to its prominent inclusion in the 1992 film Sister Act, where it was reimagined as a lively gospel number. Little Peggy March’s rendition continues to be celebrated as a defining moment in pop music history, capturing the sweet, devoted emotions of young love in a way that still feels timeless.