“I Will Follow Him,” a timeless anthem of unwavering devotion, was brought to life by the powerful vocals of Little Peggy March. Born Margaret Annemarie Battavio in 1948, March was just 15 years old when she recorded this iconic track, catapulting her to international stardom and earning her the distinction of being the youngest female artist to have a number-one hit in the US, a record she held for several decades.
Originally a French instrumental piece titled “Chariot” composed by Franck Pourcel and Paul Mauriat, the song was adapted with English lyrics by Norman Gimbel and Arthur Altman. “I Will Follow Him” tells a story of absolute and unconditional love. The lyrics express a woman’s pledge to follow her beloved, no matter where he goes, highlighting a commitment that transcends any obstacle or distance. This message of steadfast devotion resonated deeply with audiences, particularly young women, at the time of its release in 1963.
The song’s impact on the music charts was immediate and phenomenal. It soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for three weeks, and enjoyed similar success internationally. It also peaked at number one in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, amongst others. The single achieved Gold certification, reflecting its massive sales.
The public’s reception to “I Will Follow Him” was overwhelmingly positive. Its catchy melody, combined with March’s surprisingly mature and emotive vocals, made it an instant classic. The song’s theme of all-encompassing love struck a chord, becoming a popular choice for weddings and declarations of commitment. While some modern interpretations might view the lyrics through a lens of female subservience, at the time, it was widely embraced as a powerful declaration of love and loyalty, securing its place as a beloved classic.