Introduction:
In the annals of early rock and roll, few songs capture the imagination quite like Johnny Preston’s 1959 hit, “Running Bear.” This evocative and somewhat mournful narrative, a poignant tale of star-crossed love between two young Native Americans, resonated deeply with audiences and quickly ascended to the pinnacle of popular music. Released in August 1959, “Running Bear” is a fascinating blend of rock and roll and pop, with distinct elements of country and a touch of the dramatic storytelling found in folk music. It became the signature song for Johnny Preston and remains a memorable, if bittersweet, artifact of its era.
The song was famously penned by J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, a friend of Preston’s and a fellow artist who would tragically perish in the plane crash that also claimed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, just months after “Running Bear” was recorded. This somber backdrop adds an unintended layer of pathos to the song’s already sorrowful narrative. The recording itself, produced by Bill Hall, features a distinctive and memorable “Indian chanting” of “uga-uga” provided by Hall and country music legend George Jones, along with “Indian war cries” that frame the beginning and end of the track. These elements, while culturally reflective of the time, contribute significantly to the song’s unique sonic identity.
Upon its release, “Running Bear” quickly became a global phenomenon. It entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in October 1959 and, by January 1960, had climbed to the coveted number one position, where it remained for three weeks. Its success wasn’t confined to American shores; the song also achieved the number one spot in the United Kingdom in March 1960, marking it as a true transatlantic chart-topper. The commercial achievements were substantial, with sales exceeding one million copies, earning Preston his first gold disc. This immediate and widespread success cemented his place in music history, even though subsequent hits, such as “Cradle of Love,” while notable, didn’t quite reach the same stratospheric heights.
The song’s core narrative tells the tragic story of Running Bear, a young Native American brave, and Little White Dove, his beloved from a warring tribe. Despite the animosity between their peoples and the raging river that separates their villages, their love is unyielding. The climax of the song sees both brave and maiden attempting to swim to each other, only to be tragically swept away by the river’s current, finding unity in death. This dramatic storyline, coupled with Preston’s earnest vocal delivery and the song’s distinctive instrumentation, captivated a generation.
“Running Bear” is intrinsically linked to Preston’s debut album, also titled “Running Bear,” which was released in 1960 by Mercury Records. This album featured not only the titular hit but also a collection of songs that showcased Preston’s vocal style and the pop-rock-country fusion that characterized his sound. Decades later, “Running Bear” continues to resonate, often cited as a prime example of the “teenage tragedy song” subgenre popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its unique sound and heartbreaking story ensure its lasting presence in the collective memory of popular music.
