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Singer Johnny Preston passes away

Singer Johnny Preston passes away

Singer Johnny Preston, who had a hit with Running Bear, has died. He was 71.

The song was written by The Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson, but he felt it was too dark to be a hit.

This view was also partially shared by his friend Preston to whom he offered the song.

However, Mr. Preston went ahead and recorded it with The Big Bopper and country singer George Jones providing the Ooga-Chooga background vocals.

The song became a million-seller in the U.S. in 1959 and then topped the charts in the U.K. the following year when Mr. Preston toured the country.

The follow-up single Cradle Of Love reached number 7 in the American charts and number two in Britain.

This period proved to be the pinnacle of Mr. Preston’s career, with subsequent recordings never again reaching the top of the charts.

To hear Mr. Preston sing Running Bear click here.

 

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