Johnny Preston, Texas Singer. Dies at 71

Johnny Preston, Texas Singer. Dies at 71


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 5, 2011


BEAUMONT, Tex. (AP) — Johnny Preston, who had a No. 1 hit with the song “Running Bear”
in 1960, died here on Friday. He was 71.

His death was confirmed by his son, Scott, who said Mr. Preston had bypass surgery late last year
and suffered from lingering health problems.

Born Johnny Preston Courville in 1939, Mr. Preston spent most of his life in Port Arthur, Tex. He first
performed in a group called the Shades at Lamar University, in Beaumont, in 1957 and was brought
to the attention of Mercury Records by the disc jockey and singer J. P. Richardson, better known as
the Big Bopper.

Mr. Richardson wrote “Running Bear,” which told the story of an ill-fated romance between Running
Bear, an “Indian brave,” and Little White Dove, an “Indian maid.” It became a million-seller for Mr.
Preston the year after Mr. Richardson died in the plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie
Valens. Mr. Preston’s follow-up single, “Cradle of Love,” reached No. 7 on the Billboard chart.

In addition to his son Scott, Mr. Preston is survived by his wife, Sharon; another son, Michael; two
daughters, Leslie and Lisa; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Source : HERE

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http://www.rockabillyhall.com/JohnnyPreston1.html




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Johnny Preston - Running Bear 45 rpm!

salut BIRDIE

merci pour l'info

joe