1963 Timeless Classic Was a No. 1 Hit Song 63 Years Ago Today
Sixty-three years ago today, a song sung by a teenage girl took over the music world and made history. "I Will Follow Him," recorded by Little Peggy March, climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1963 and stayed there for three weeks.
The achievement turned the then-15-year-old singer into the youngest female artist ever to top the chart-a record that still stands today.
The song's success was not limited to the United States. It reached No. 1 in multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong. It also topped the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, making March the first white female solo artist to do so. Even decades later, the track remains one of the most recognizable hits of the early 1960s.
Originally, the tune was not even a vocal song. It began as an instrumental called "Chariot," first recorded in 1961 by French bandleader Franck Pourcel. The music was co-written by Pourcel and fellow composer Paul Mauriat. Later, English lyrics were added by Norman Gimbel, transforming it into the version that would become a global hit.
Little Peggy March recorded her version on Jan. 7, 1963, at RCA Victor Studio A in New York City. The song was released just weeks later, on Jan. 22, and quickly gained attention. By April 1963, it had reached No. 1 in the United States.
The recording process itself was not simple. The final version came together after multiple takes, with the ninth take becoming the official release. Backed by "Wind Up Doll" as its B-side, the single captured audiences with its strong melody and emotional lyrics about devotion.
The song's chart success extended across the globe. It hit No. 1 in several countries and ranked highly in others, including No. 5 in the Philippines and No. 2 in Finland. In year-end charts, it placed among the top songs of 1963 in both the United States and South Africa.
It also received major industry recognition. "I Will Follow Him" was nominated for the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Rock and Roll Recording, further cementing its place in music history.
Peggy March, born Margaret Annemarie Battavio, was just 15 years old when the song topped the charts. She had been discovered at age 13 while singing at a family wedding and quickly signed to a record deal. Her nickname, "Little Peggy March," came from her young age, small height and birth month.
Her rise to fame was fast and historic. With "I Will Follow Him," she set a record as the youngest female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a milestone that has remained unbeaten for more than six decades.
Despite the song's massive success, her early career came with challenges. Because she was a minor, financial control was placed in the hands of her manager. Years later, it was revealed that most of her earnings had been lost, leaving her with only a small amount from her biggest hit.
Still, March continued her music career, especially in Europe, where she found lasting success throughout the 1960s and 1970s. While some in the United States labeled her a one-hit wonder, her international career told a different story.
Over the years, "I Will Follow Him" has continued to live on through covers, films, and performances. One of its most famous modern appearances came in the 1992 film Sister Act, where it was performed in a gospel style during the film's finale.
More than six decades after its release, the song remains a symbol of early pop music and youthful energy. Its simple message, catchy melody and historic achievement continue to connect with listeners across generations.
Related: 1976 Timeless Classic Hit No. 1 50 Years Ago Today
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 5:56 PM.