Johnny Preston’s Touching Performance in “Running Bear”

“Running Bear” is a popular song by American singer Johnny Preston, released in 1959. The song was written by J.P. Richardson, also known as The Big Bopper, who was a notable musician and disc jockey during the early rock and roll era.

The lyrics of “Running Bear” tell the story of two Native American lovers, Running Bear and Little White Dove, who come from different tribes. Despite their tribal differences, they are deeply in love and attempt to be together, leading to a tragic ending when Running Bear drowns while trying to reach Little White Dove during a flood.

The song features a catchy melody and a distinctive vocal style by Johnny Preston, capturing the romantic and tragic narrative. The chorus, with its repetition of the names “Running Bear” and “Little White Dove,” became instantly recognizable and contributed to the song’s popularity.

“Running Bear” became a massive hit, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960. The song’s universal theme of love and tragedy, combined with its memorable melody, has made it a timeless classic in the history of rock and roll.