“I Will Follow Him,” a timeless declaration of unwavering devotion, catapulted Little Peggy March to international stardom in 1963. Born Margaret Annemarie Battavio, the petite singer, aptly nicknamed “Little Peggy March” due to her height, was just 15 years old when she recorded this iconic track. Originally a French instrumental piece titled “Chariot” by Franck Pourcel and Paul Mauriat, the English lyrics were penned by Norman Gimbel and Arthur Altman, transforming it into a powerful anthem of love and commitment.
The song’s meaning is straightforward yet profound. It’s a pledge of absolute loyalty, the singer vowing to follow her beloved anywhere, regardless of the challenges or obstacles. This resonates deeply with listeners, particularly young women, tapping into the universal desire for steadfast love and unwavering support. Lines like “I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go” and “There isn’t an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep me away” perfectly encapsulate this devotion.
“I Will Follow Him” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and holding the position for three weeks. It also achieved significant international success, charting highly in numerous countries. This made Little Peggy March the youngest female artist at the time to have a number-one hit, a record she held for several decades. The song earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Rock & Roll Recording.
The audience response was overwhelmingly positive. The song’s catchy melody, combined with March’s clear and powerful vocals, captivated listeners worldwide. It became a popular choice for weddings and romantic dedications, solidifying its status as a classic love song. Even today, “I Will Follow Him” continues to be cherished and remembered as a definitive example of early 1960s pop music, showcasing the innocent yet powerful voice of a teenage star. The enduring popularity of the song, revived by its inclusion in the film “Sister Act,” proved its timeless quality.