<P> The song was recorded in 1961 by Franck Pourcel and began as an instrumental piece appearing on the 1961 European LP release Amour, Danse, Et Violons . No. 17 . At the same time, it appeared on the EP release La Voix de son Maître . Pourcel co-wrote the song with his friend and fellow French bandleader Paul Mauriat . The other French bandleader Raymond Lefèvre has been credited for arrangements . Franck Pourcel's original recording was popular on MOR, or "easy listening," stations . Mauriat later recorded an instrumental version in 1976 with a disco beat, using a Moog synthesizer . </P> <P> In 1963, Percy Faith released an instrumental version, re-titled "I Will Follow You", as the lead song on side 1 of his album titled Themes for Young Lovers . Many other hits at the time were also on the album, including "Up on the Roof", "On Broadway", and "Rhythm of the Rain". </P> <P> In 1962, Petula Clark released a French language version of the song, titled "Chariot" (lyrics by Jacques Plante), which reached No. 1 in Wallonia, No. 2 in France, and No. 8 in Flanders, and earned Clark a gold record . Her English version reached No. 4 in Denmark, where it was released by Vogue, but failed to chart in the UK and the USA, where it was released by Pye and Laurie respectively . Clark also recorded Italian and German versions of the song, with her Italian version, "Sul mio carro", reaching No. 4 in Italy, and her German version, "Cheerio", reaching No. 6 in Germany . </P> <P> In 1963, Little Peggy March's version of "I Will Follow Him", backed with "Wind Up Doll", was released by RCA Victor . March's version reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 27, 1963, making 15 - year - old March the youngest female artist to have a U.S. chart - topping single . Her version also reached No. 1 in Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa, Uruguay, Canada's CHUM Hit Parade, New Zealand's "Lever Hit Parade", and Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart . </P>

Who sang i will follow you wherever you may go