I Will Follow Him – Peggy March

Few songs embody the spirit of unwavering devotion as vividly as Peggy March’s “I Will Follow Him.” Released in 1963, this classic track became an anthem of young love and passionate loyalty, resonating across generations and reaching a global audience. But the story of “I Will Follow Him” goes far beyond its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics—it’s a tale of musical transformation, cross-cultural appeal, and a powerful performance that propelled Peggy March, then only 15, to international stardom. This blog post explores the fascinating journey of “I Will Follow Him,” the impact it had on pop music, and its lasting legacy.

The Origins of “I Will Follow Him”

“I Will Follow Him” was originally written as an instrumental piece titled “Chariot” by French composer Franck Pourcel, with additional contributions from Paul Mauriat and Raymond Lefèvre. The tune was catchy and instantly appealing, gaining popularity in Europe as an orchestral piece. Soon after, French lyricist Jacques Plante added words to the melody, and the song found popularity in France and other European countries, particularly in its version sung by Petula Clark.

But it wasn’t until the song made its way to the United States and was translated into English that “I Will Follow Him” would find its most iconic interpretation. Legendary songwriters Norman Gimbel and Arthur Altman reworked the lyrics for an English-speaking audience, infusing it with an intense sense of devotion and love. With the melody adjusted and the lyrics freshly composed, all that remained was finding the right voice to bring it to life.

Peggy March: The Voice of Youthful Passion

Enter Peggy March, a 15-year-old singer from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, with a powerful voice and a sense of presence well beyond her years. Born Margaret Annemarie Battavio, she was discovered by RCA Victor talent scouts while performing at a local event. Her voice and energy captured the attention of producers, and RCA signed her as one of their youngest recording artists. Peggy was known at the time as “Little Peggy March” due to her petite stature and young age, but her vocal delivery was anything but small.

When March recorded “I Will Follow Him,” she brought to the song a combination of innocence and strength that resonated with a youthful audience eager for expressions of love and dedication. The lyrics, written from the perspective of a young woman pledging to follow her love “wherever he may go,” found a compelling match in March’s performance. The line “I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go” became a mantra for countless listeners who, like March, were learning about love and the intensity of commitment for the first time.

A Chart-Topping Success

Released in early 1963, “I Will Follow Him” quickly ascended the charts. By April, it had reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, making Peggy March the youngest female artist ever to top the chart—a record she holds to this day. The song was also a massive hit on the Adult Contemporary and Rhythm and Blues charts, showcasing its broad appeal across different musical genres and listener demographics.

In a time when rock and roll was dominating American airwaves, “I Will Follow Him” offered something different. It combined elements of pop, orchestral arrangements, and rhythm and blues into a unique and unforgettable sound. March’s vocal style was fresh, combining elements of pop sensibility with a touch of emotional rawness that gave the song a universal quality. In an era when songs about young love were common, “I Will Follow Him” managed to stand out by adding an emotional depth that resonated with listeners worldwide.

Cultural Impact and the 1992 Revival

The success of “I Will Follow Him” didn’t stop with Peggy March’s initial release. Over the years, the song has been covered and reinterpreted by various artists and used in several films and television shows. Perhaps the most famous revival came in 1992 when “I Will Follow Him” was featured in the comedy film Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg. In this version, the song was given a gospel twist, transforming it into a humorous and spirited declaration of faith. The Sister Act rendition brought the song back into the cultural spotlight, introducing it to a new generation of fans and re-establishing it as an enduring anthem of loyalty and devotion.

The movie’s adaptation demonstrated the song’s remarkable versatility, as it could be reimagined as a spiritual anthem without losing its core message. In this version, “I Will Follow Him” took on new meaning as an expression of faith, with the lyrics lending themselves to a spiritual interpretation that resonated with audiences. The success of the Sister Act version speaks to the timeless quality of the song, which can be adapted and embraced by different contexts and still hold the same emotional power.

Legacy and Lasting Appeal

Decades after its release, “I Will Follow Him” remains a beloved classic. Part of its appeal lies in its simplicity and universality—the message of devotion, loyalty, and love is one that resonates across cultures, ages, and generations. Peggy March’s youthful passion gave life to the song in a way that many listeners found relatable and authentic, making it one of those rare tracks that feel deeply personal while remaining universally accessible.

The song also serves as a reminder of the innocence and excitement of first love, and for many, it evokes memories of a time when the world seemed full of possibilities. “I Will Follow Him” captures a moment in music history when pop was still in its early days, and artists were finding ways to express deep emotions through accessible melodies and lyrics. This song, in particular, shows how music can encapsulate the feelings of an era while remaining timeless.

For Peggy March, “I Will Follow Him” remains her most iconic work. Although she went on to have a successful career with other hits, this song became her signature. To this day, March is known for this youthful declaration of love, and she continues to perform it to appreciative audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

“I Will Follow Him” by Peggy March is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a snapshot of youthful innocence and passion that has transcended its time. From its origins as an instrumental piece in France to its American adaptation and eventual revival in Sister Act, the song has shown remarkable adaptability and staying power. At its heart, “I Will Follow Him” is about devotion—whether it’s the love between people or the spiritual faith found in Sister Act—making it a truly universal piece of music history.

In today’s world, where music often changes with the latest trends, “I Will Follow Him” remains a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of songs that speak to the heart. Peggy March’s iconic rendition will continue to inspire listeners for years to come, showing that sometimes, the simplest expressions of love and loyalty resonate the longest.