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Johnny Preston
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Key Information
John Preston Courville (August 18, 1939 – March 4, 2011),[3][4] known professionally as Johnny Preston, was an American rock and roll singer, best known for his 1959 international number one hit "Running Bear".[5]
Life and career
[edit]Born in Port Arthur, Texas,[6] of Cajun and German ancestry, Preston sang in high school choral contests throughout the state of Texas.[6] He formed a rock and roll band called the Shades, who were seen performing at a local club by J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.
Richardson offered Preston the chance to record a teenage tragedy song he had written, "Running Bear", which they did in Houston, Texas, in 1958.[7] The "Indian" sounds on the record were performed by Richardson and George Jones.[8] The record was released after the Big Bopper's death in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens on February 3, 1959.[6] It entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in October 1959, reaching number one in January 1960 and remaining there for three weeks.[6][8] It was a transatlantic chart-topper, reaching number one in the United Kingdom in March 1960.[9] The sales of the record exceeded one million copies, earning Preston his first gold disc.[6]
Preston quickly followed up with another hit called "Cradle of Love" (Billboard number 7, UK number 2), and made several other records during the early 1960s that met with modest success. "Cradle of Love" was a hit in both the UK Singles Chart and in Athens, Greece.[10] Preston's "I'm Starting to Go Steady", a song on the flip side of "Feel So Fine", (Billboard number 14, UK number 18) was released in June 1960. "Leave My Kitten Alone", a song later made famous as part of The Beatles Anthology 1, was a minor hit for Preston. He later made appearances on American Bandstand (ABC-TV) and The Milt Grant Show and also The Buddy Deane Show (East Coast, United States).
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.[11]
Preston had coronary artery bypass surgery in 2010.[1] He died of heart failure in Beaumont, Texas, on March 4, 2011, at the age of 71,[4] after years of heart-related illnesses. He was survived by his wife, Sharon, two sons and two daughters.[12] Preston was buried at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas. A tribute concert was performed on November 5, 2011, featuring guest artists Gene Bourgeois, Johnny Tillotson, Dickey Lee, and Chris Montez, along with Lamar State College - Port Arthur's touring band, under the direction of Aaron Horne.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Year | Album | Record label |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Running Bear | Mercury Records |
| Come Rock with Me |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Peak chart positions |
Record label | B-side | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B |
UK | |||||
| 1959 | "Running Bear" | 1 | 3 | 1 | Mercury Records | "My Heart Knows" | Running Bear |
| 1960 | "Cradle of Love" | 7 | 15 | 2 | "City of Tears" | Come Rock with Me | |
| "Feel So Fine" | 14 | – | 18 | "I'm Starting to Go Steady" (UK number 49) | |||
| "Up in the Air" | – | – | – | "Charming Billy" (US number 105, UK number 34) |
|||
| "New Baby for Christmas" | – | – | – | "(I Want A) Rock and Roll Guitar" | |||
| 1961 | "Leave My Kitten Alone" | 73 | – | – | "Token of Love" | Come Rock with Me | |
| "Willy Walk" | – | – | – | "I Feel Good" | |||
| "Let Them Talk" | – | – | – | "She Once Belonged to Me" | |||
| "Free Me" | 97 | – | – | "Kissin' Tree" | |||
| 1962 | "Let the Big Boss Man (Pull You Through)" | – | – | – | "The Day After Forever" | ||
| "Let's Leave It That Way" | – | – | – | "Broken Hearts Anonymous" | |||
| 1963 | "This Little Bitty Tear (It's Gonna Dry)" | – | – | – | Imperial Records | "The Day the World Stood Still" | |
| 1964 | "All Around the World" | – | – | – | Hall-Way Records | "Just Plain Hurt" | |
| 1965 | "The Peddler Man" | – | – | – | Hall Records | "I'm Kicking Myself" | |
| "Running Bear '65" | – | – | – | "Dedicated to the One I Love" | |||
| "Good Good Lovin'" | – | – | – | TCF Hall Records | "I'm Asking Forgiveness" | ||
| 1968 | "I'm Only Human" | – | – | – | ABC Records | "There's No One Like You" | |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b [1] Archived March 7, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Leggett, Steve. "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
- ^ Laing, Dave (March 6, 2011). "Johnny Preston obituary". The Guardian.
- ^ a b Doc Rock. "2011 January to June". The Dead Rock Stars Club. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
- ^ "Johnny Preston". Telegraph. April 6, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 127/128. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
- ^ "Johnny Preston". Rockabillyhall.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2004. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
- ^ a b Whitburn, Joel (2003). Top Pop Singles 1955-2002 (1st ed.). Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p. 562. ISBN 0-89820-155-1.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 108. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 437. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ [2]Archived February 10, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Leigh, S. (2011). Johnny Preston: Singer who had a number one hit both sides of the Atlantic with 1960 death disc 'Running Bear'. The Independent, March 8, 2011, London.
External links
[edit]- Johnny Preston discography at Discogs
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Johnny Preston
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early Life
Birth and Family Background
John Preston Courville, professionally known as Johnny Preston, was born on August 18, 1939, in Port Arthur, Texas.[1][2] He was the son of John Preston Courville Sr. and Margaret Schexnayder Courville, with his family exhibiting musical inclinations, particularly on his mother's side; a cousin, Brian Schexnayder, later became a Metropolitan Opera singer.[4][5][6] Preston's heritage blended Cajun French and German roots, common among families in the Texas Gulf Coast region with ties to Louisiana Acadian communities.[2] This background contributed to the cultural influences shaping his eventual adoption of swamp pop, a genre fusing rhythm and blues with Cajun elements.[5] Preston spent his early childhood in Port Arthur, a working-class community in the oil-rich Golden Triangle area of southeast Texas, surrounded by refineries and a vibrant multicultural music scene.[5] The region's proximity to Louisiana exposed young residents to zydeco, rhythm and blues, and Cajun sounds, with local blues clubs and performers like Harry Choates and George Jones active nearby.[5] He grew up singing in the Catholic Church choir, immersing himself in these sounds that would inform his later musical style.[5]Education and Initial Musical Influences
Johnny Preston attended high school in Port Arthur, Texas, where he actively participated in the choir and glee club, honing his vocal abilities through regular performances and choral activities.[5] These experiences provided a foundational platform for his musical development, allowing him to explore singing in group settings and build confidence in his voice during his teenage years.[2] Following his high school graduation, Preston enrolled at Port Arthur Junior College (now Lamar State College-Port Arthur), where he continued to nurture his interest in music by forming a rock and roll band called the Shades.[1] The band's performances at local clubs and dances exposed him to the vibrant rhythm and blues and rock and roll scenes prevalent in southeast Texas, shaping his early style amid the region's blend of influences.[2] A pivotal personal connection during this period was Preston's friendship with J.P. Richardson, better known as the Big Bopper, a local disc jockey and performer from nearby Beaumont. Richardson, recognizing Preston's talent after seeing him perform, offered encouragement by sharing songwriting ideas and supporting his budding aspirations as a singer.[7] This mentorship highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Gulf Coast music community and reinforced Preston's commitment to pursuing music professionally.[1]Music Career
Discovery and Rise to Fame
After graduating from Port Neches High School, Johnny Preston formed the rock and roll band the Shades while attending Lamar State College in Beaumont, Texas, in the late 1950s, where the group performed cover songs of popular hits at local clubs and dances in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area.[1] The band's repertoire drew from rhythm and blues influences, helping Preston hone his vocal style through live performances at venues like high school events and regional spots.[8] Preston's breakthrough came in 1958 when J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, a local disc jockey and musician, spotted the Shades performing at the Twilight Club in Port Neches, Texas.[1] Impressed by Preston's singing, Richardson produced his debut recording, "Running Bear," at Gold Star Studios in Houston in late 1958.[1] The recording featured backing vocals by George Jones, Richardson, and others, with instrumentation by the Gold Star house band including Link Davis on saxophone, showcasing his smooth, emotive delivery on a ballad-style track.[1] Richardson shopped the recording to Mercury Records executives, leading to a signing with the label in 1959.[1] That year, "Running Bear," a novelty song co-written by Richardson about a tragic romance between two young Native Americans from rival tribes, was released by Mercury. The track featured distinctive "Indian" whoops in the background, provided by Richardson and studio musicians, capturing the playful yet poignant style that defined early rock and roll experimentation.[1]Major Hits and Commercial Success
Johnny Preston achieved his greatest commercial success with the release of "Running Bear" in August 1959 on Mercury Records. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 on October 12, 1959, and climbed to number one, where it remained for three consecutive weeks starting January 18, 1960.[9][1] It sold over one million copies, earning Preston his first gold record certification.[1] The song's distinctive narrative structure—a tragic tale of star-crossed Native American lovers—paired with innovative production elements like echoing background chants and sound effects simulating rushing water, set it apart in the pop landscape and contributed to its widespread appeal.[10] Building on this momentum, Preston released several follow-up singles that charted successfully in 1960. "Cradle of Love," issued early that year, peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his smooth vocal delivery over a upbeat rock and roll arrangement. "Feel So Fine" followed, reaching number 14 and highlighting Preston's ability to blend rhythmic energy with melodic hooks. Later in 1960, "Leave My Kitten Alone" in early 1961 climbed to number 73, demonstrating his versatility in covering R&B-influenced tracks. These releases solidified Preston's presence in the pop market during his peak years. Preston's hits propelled him to national prominence, leading to performances on influential television programs like American Bandstand and participation in high-profile tours such as Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars.[1] Throughout his career, he amassed 14 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, drawing from a fusion of rockabilly's twangy guitar riffs, pop's accessible melodies, and swamp pop's rhythmic, regional flair rooted in his Texas upbringing.[11] This blend helped define his sound and contributed to his enduring commercial footprint in early 1960s music.Later Recordings and Performances
Following his departure from Mercury Records in 1962, Johnny Preston signed with ABC-Paramount, releasing singles that reflected a shift toward more pop-oriented material but achieved only modest chart performance. His single "The Day After Forever," issued that year, peaked at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling the beginning of a decline in national visibility after his early hits.[12] Throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, Preston recorded for smaller labels including Imperial, Hall-Way, ABC, Kapp, and Coach, often incorporating country and pop elements into his swamp pop roots for a broader appeal, though without recapturing mainstream success. Notable releases included covers such as "This Little Bitty Tear" on Imperial in 1963, a country standard that highlighted his vocal adaptability, and "Do You Love Me" on Coach in 1974, a nod to R&B influences amid the era's nostalgia for early rock.[12] Preston maintained an active performing career centered in Texas, with regular appearances at local clubs and venues in the Beaumont and Port Arthur areas, as well as state fairs and regional events that sustained his loyal swamp pop audience. He participated in rock 'n' roll nostalgia tours across the United States and England during the 1990s, and continued into the 2000s with occasional circuit shows. In his later years, he performed with the Lamar State College–Port Arthur Touring Band in 2009 and 2010, preserving his legacy through live work without major commercial revivals.[1][2]Discography
Studio Albums
Johnny Preston released two original studio albums during the peak of his career in the early 1960s, both on Mercury Records, which captured his transition from a novelty hitmaker to a rock and roll performer with pop sensibilities. These LPs featured a mix of his chart-topping singles, original material, and covers of contemporary standards, reflecting the era's blend of teen idol appeal and accessible cover versions. His debut album, Running Bear, issued in 1960 (Mercury MG-20592), consisted of 12 tracks that prominently featured the title song, his international number-one hit co-written by the Big Bopper. The collection included covers of doo-wop and rock standards such as "Earth Angel" (The Penguins), "Hearts of Stone" (The Charms), and "You'll Never Walk Alone" (from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel), alongside originals like "Chief Heartbreak" and "Guardian Angel." This album emphasized Preston's smooth, emotive vocals over mid-tempo arrangements, establishing his style within the burgeoning rock and roll scene.[13] The follow-up, Come Rock With Me, also released in 1960 (Mercury SR-60609), maintained a lively rock and roll focus with 12 tracks, incorporating his Top 10 hit "Cradle of Love" and upbeat originals including "Charming Billy," "Feel So Fine," and "Leave My Kitten Alone" (a cover of Little Willie John's 1959 R&B hit, written by John, McDougal, and Turner). The album's thematic energy centered on youthful romance and danceable rhythms, with pop elements in songs like "Token of Love" and "The Angels Gave You to Me," showcasing Preston's growing confidence in energetic performances.[14] Preston did not issue additional original studio albums in the 1960s or 1970s, instead focusing on singles and live work, though his catalog saw extensive reissues and compilations from the 1970s onward. Notable among these was Bear Family Records' 1989 CD Running Bear (BCD 15473), a 27-track anthology of his Mercury-era recordings from 1958 to 1962, blending hits, B-sides, and rarities to provide a comprehensive overview of his early output. Later collections, such as Jasmine Records' 2014 Running Bear and All His Hits (JASCD 771), expanded to 40 tracks of remastered material, highlighting his influence on rockabilly and pop revival audiences.[15]Singles and Chart Hits
Johnny Preston's recording career began with his debut single "Dream," released in 1958 on Mercury Records, which failed to chart but marked his entry into the music industry as a rock and roll performer influenced by teen idol styles.[2] His breakthrough came in 1959 with "Running Bear," a dramatic narrative ballad written by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) about a forbidden romance between two Native American lovers, featuring spoken-word elements and a distinctive echo effect in the chorus. Released on Mercury 71474, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1959, climbing to #1 for three weeks in January 1960 and spending 27 weeks on the chart overall.[9] The song also topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks, reaching #1 in April 1960 with 16 weeks total, and achieved #1 status in Canada on the CHUM Hit Parade as well as in Australia, underscoring its international appeal amid the teen tragedy song trend popularized by acts like Mark Dinning.[16] Following this success, Preston released several Mercury singles in 1960 that capitalized on his rising fame, blending rock and roll with pop sensibilities. "Cradle of Love," penned by Jack Fautheree and Wayne Gray, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1960 after 15 weeks on the chart, and reached #2 in the UK while hitting #15 on the R&B chart, its upbeat rhythm and romantic lyrics evoking doo-wop harmonies.[17] "Feel So Fine," a cover of Shirley & Lee's 1955 R&B hit adapted with new lyrics by Leonard Lee, entered the Hot 100 in June 1960 and peaked at #14, with its lively, handclapping arrangement reflecting Preston's shift toward more energetic teen pop; its B-side "I'm Starting to Go Steady" reached #49 in the UK.[17] Later that year, "Charming Billy," a folk-inspired tune based on the traditional "Billy Boy," bubbled under at #105 on the Billboard extension chart but reached #34 in the UK, showcasing Preston's versatility in adapting older melodies to contemporary rock formats.[17] These Mercury releases established Preston as a one-hit wonder in some markets but demonstrated sustained momentum with stylistic experimentation in vocal delivery and instrumentation.| Single Title | Release Year | Label | Billboard Hot 100 Peak | UK Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Bear | 1959 | Mercury | #1 (3 weeks) | #1 (2 weeks) | Teenage tragedy narrative; also #1 in Canada, Australia |
| Cradle of Love | 1960 | Mercury | #7 | #2 | Rock & roll with doo-wop influences; 15 weeks on Hot 100 |
| Feel So Fine | 1960 | Mercury | #14 | #18 | Upbeat cover; handclapping rhythm |
| Charming Billy | 1960 | Mercury | #105 (bubbling under) | #34 | Folk-rock adaptation |