About The Song
Released in 1959, “Running Bear” by Johnny Preston is a haunting and memorable song that blends country, rock and roll, and pop influences to tell a tragic love story. Written by J.P. “Johnny” Preston, “Running Bear” became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 13 on the pop chart. The song’s emotional narrative, combined with its unique musical style, made it a standout track of the late 1950s.
The lyrics of “Running Bear” tell the story of a young Native American man named Running Bear who falls in love with a young girl named Little White Dove. Despite their love for each other, they are kept apart by their different tribes, and the story culminates in a tragic ending when Running Bear and Little White Dove drown while trying to be together. The repeated refrain, “Running Bear, love little White Dove,” symbolizes the enduring nature of their love, despite the tragedy they face. The lyrics are simple, yet they convey a deep emotional weight, with themes of love, loss, and longing.
Musically, “Running Bear” features a country-inspired arrangement, with a soft rhythm section and Preston’s distinctive voice leading the way. The song has a dreamy and almost melancholic feel, enhanced by the smooth backing vocals of the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson), who lends his signature voice to the chorus. The song’s melody is catchy, and the light percussion and steel guitar add to the song’s evocative, almost cinematic atmosphere. The arrangement complements the tragic nature of the story, adding an emotional depth that helps make the song memorable.
When “Running Bear” was first released, it became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B charts and earning Johnny Preston widespread recognition. The song’s unique mix of storytelling, catchy melody, and emotional resonance helped make it a standout hit of the 1950s. While the song’s tragic love story was one of its defining features, it also helped solidify Preston’s place in popular music history, with its crossover appeal reaching both pop and R&B audiences.
Today, “Running Bear” is remembered as one of Johnny Preston’s most enduring tracks and remains a beloved classic of the 1950s. Its unique combination of storytelling, heartfelt vocals, and emotional impact ensures that it continues to resonate with audiences. The song has been featured in various compilations and is regularly included in collections of rock and roll and doo-wop hits from the era. “Running Bear” is a timeless reminder of the power of love and the tragic consequences that sometimes come with it, making it a standout track in Johnny Preston’s career.