Johnny Preston (1939–2011)
Johnny Preston (born John Preston Courville in Port Arthur, Texas) was a rock ‘n’ roll singer best remembered as a classic one-hit wonder. Growing up near the Louisiana border, he absorbed Cajun, R&B, and rock influences. In the late 1950s, he joined a local band and caught the attention of producer Bill Hall, who connected him with J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Richardson wrote “Running Bear,” a dramatic tale of star-crossed Native American lovers, complete with Indian chants and dramatic production.
Released in 1959 (after Richardson’s death in the 1959 plane crash with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens), it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in 1960, selling millions globally. The follow-up “Cradle of Love” reached the Top 10, but subsequent singles like “Charming Billy” failed to chart highly. Preston recorded for Mercury, Imperial, and other labels through the 1960s but never replicated his early success.
He performed in oldies revivals into the 2000s and was inducted into the Museum of the Gulf Coast. He passed away in 2011 at age 71 from heart issues. “Running Bear” remains a nostalgic staple of early 1960s pop-rock.