Johnny Preston (born John Preston Courville on August 18, 1939, Port Arthur, Texas, USA - died March 4, 2011, Beaumont, Texas) was an American singer. He's best known for his international number one hit in 1960, "Running Bear".
Of Cajun ancestry, Preston sang in high school choral contests throughout the state of Texas. He formed a rock and roll band called 'The Shades', before recording his No. 1 hit single "Running Bear." The song was written in 1958 by J. Read Full BioJohnny Preston (born John Preston Courville on August 18, 1939, Port Arthur, Texas, USA - died March 4, 2011, Beaumont, Texas) was an American singer. He's best known for his international number one hit in 1960, "Running Bear".
Of Cajun ancestry, Preston sang in high school choral contests throughout the state of Texas. He formed a rock and roll band called 'The Shades', before recording his No. 1 hit single "Running Bear." The song was written in 1958 by J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who had died the previous year in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.
Preston quickly followed up with a minor hit called "Cradle of Love," and made several other records during the early 1960s that met with modest success.
"Cradle of Love" however, was a big hit in Athens, Greece in the early 60s.
Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre was recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He also performed at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri. In 2009 and 2010, Preston performed with the Lamar State College (LSCPA)Touring Band at Lamar State College- Port Arthur, in his hometown.
Johnny Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Preston died of heart failure in Beaumont, Texas on March 4, 2011.
Of Cajun ancestry, Preston sang in high school choral contests throughout the state of Texas. He formed a rock and roll band called 'The Shades', before recording his No. 1 hit single "Running Bear." The song was written in 1958 by J. Read Full BioJohnny Preston (born John Preston Courville on August 18, 1939, Port Arthur, Texas, USA - died March 4, 2011, Beaumont, Texas) was an American singer. He's best known for his international number one hit in 1960, "Running Bear".
Of Cajun ancestry, Preston sang in high school choral contests throughout the state of Texas. He formed a rock and roll band called 'The Shades', before recording his No. 1 hit single "Running Bear." The song was written in 1958 by J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who had died the previous year in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.
Preston quickly followed up with a minor hit called "Cradle of Love," and made several other records during the early 1960s that met with modest success.
"Cradle of Love" however, was a big hit in Athens, Greece in the early 60s.
Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre was recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He also performed at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri. In 2009 and 2010, Preston performed with the Lamar State College (LSCPA)Touring Band at Lamar State College- Port Arthur, in his hometown.
Johnny Preston's pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Preston died of heart failure in Beaumont, Texas on March 4, 2011.
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Running Bear
Johnny Preston Lyrics
On the banks of the river stood runnin' bear, young Indian brave
On the other side of the river stood his lovely Indian maid
Little white dove was-a her name, such a lovely sight to see
But their tribes fought with each other so their love could never be
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
He couldn't swim the raging river 'cause the river was too wide
He couldn't reach little white dove, waiting on the other side
In the moonlight he could see her blowing kisses 'cross the waves
Her little heart was beating faster, waiting there for her brave
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
Runnin' bear dove in the water, little white dove did the same
And they swam out to each other through the swirling stream they came
As their hands touched and their lips met, the ragin' river pulled them down
Now they'll always be together in that happy hunting ground
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love big as the sky
Runnin' bear loved little white dove with a love that couldn't die
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: J. P. RICHARDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them
Carolyn Clayton
One of my all time favorites. I remember listening to this with my family while growing up. I ended up marrying a Native American (who is, sadly, no longer in this world.) I shared this song with our daughter, who asked if that was what our love life was like. (so sweet from a child to ask this.) Our courtship was different, though, with me a Roman Catholic and He a descendent from the Blackfoot Tribes. Our families didn't argue or disprove of the relationship--they could see we were (and are) truly I love. My husband asked me to find another husband, when he knew he was going to leave our physical world, so that I would have someone to care for me always. I never re-married, but I know that DANIEL WALKS TALL is always with me.
D Doeser
Geweldig mooie herrinneringen aan de MUZIEK Onvergetelijk R.I.P ❤🇳🇱 ONVERGETELIJK🙏( JAAR 2O22)
Len Hjelmeland
@giantbully1 I have attended literally hundreds of them over the years. Always a source of peace, fun, and very spiritual im nature. Totally enjoy every chance I get to attend them.
Len Hjelmeland
This song also brings back many precious and happy memories. I was fortunate to meet, fall for, and spend the best and happiest 27 years of my life with the sweetest, kindest, and most beautiful woman I ever did see. Her grandmother was a full blood Cherokee woman from Eastern USA who immigrated to Canada in the late 20's with her Scottish husband to avoid persecution due to interracial marriage. Her mother was full blood Stoney woman from southern Alberta. I was from musical background and playing with a group when we met. I sang this song for her in public and private many times. Even though my skin may be white, my heart and spirit will always be red, thanks to her. I was her Running Bear, and she was my little White Dove. Like your partner, mine has also gone ahead of me to the happy hunting/camping grounds and I am sure, along with my best friends Buddy (gold lab) and Pardner (Arabian gelding), that she has a good spot saved. I miss them all dearly and look forward to meeting again when the time is right. Like you, I have chosen to not even consider marriage or even a relationship again. Once you've had the best, it's hard to consider the rest. A'HO
giantbully1
i was stationed in med hat in the 80s and had a relationship with a squaw from the blackfoot her granma was the medicine mans daughter or something like that and we went on a couple of powwows nothing like id seen befor
brian sonnier
Carolyn, your story made cry and reminds of the kind of marriage i have dreamed of since i was a kid.
Captain Kawaii
My dad asked me to play this today in the car and he just lit up, it's nice to see him so happy for once.
D Doeser
Nostalgische gevoelens Prachtig herrinneringen aan de MUZIEK ❤🇳🇱🙏
John Johnson
Raised with a broad amount of music, this song makes me especially thankful for what my grandpa showed me
Dennis Lawless
@Sandra Barger Great Memories