A Texas Beginning That Shaped a Star
Jonny Preston, born John Preston Courville on August 18, 1939, stands out as one of those exceptional musicians whose voice captured a moment in time when I consider the early history of rock & roll. He was raised in a community full with Cajun customs and strong family values in Port Arthur, Texas. His German and Cajun ancestry contributed to the foundation that molded his personality.
He loved participating in school choir competitions across Texas as a young youngster. Music was more than just a pastime. Over time, it evolved into the path that would shape his future. He continued to pursue live performances with growing determination while attending Port Arthur College following his high school graduation.
The traditional American dream was represented in his early years. A gifted local singer took advantage of every chance to perform in the hopes that someone would take attention. That time finally came.
The Discovery That Changed Everything
Jonny Preston formed a local rock and roll band known as The Shades. The group regularly entertained audiences in clubs and dance halls around Beaumont and Port Arthur. One performance at the Twilight Club in Port Neches changed his life forever.
Among those watching was J. P. Richardson, better known as the Big Bopper. Already respected as a radio personality, songwriter, and performer, Richardson immediately recognized Preston’s potential.
The Big Bopper introduced him to a song that would soon become part of rock and roll history.
That song was Running Bear.
Richardson believed Preston’s youthful voice perfectly matched the emotional story of two young Native American lovers separated by tribal rivalry and fate. It was more than a recording opportunity. It became the launchpad of an international career.
Recording Running Bear
The recording session took place in Houston during 1958. Several respected musicians and industry figures participated, while the Big Bopper himself helped create the memorable background chanting heard throughout the song.
The timing, however, became heartbreaking.
On February 3, 1959, the Big Bopper died alongside Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens in the airplane crash forever remembered as “The Day the Music Died.” Because of this tragedy, the release of Running Bear was delayed.
When the single finally reached listeners later in 1959, it became an extraordinary success.
The song climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and also reached the top position in the United Kingdom. It sold more than one million copies and earned a gold record.
For me, this story feels like lightning striking twice. A song born from tragedy carried the voice of a young singer into international fame.
Career Highlights Beyond Running Bear
Although Running Bear remains Jonny Preston’s signature recording, his success did not stop there. Several follow up releases became significant hits during the early 1960s.
| Year | Song | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Running Bear | Number 1 in the United States and United Kingdom |
| 1960 | Cradle of Love | Number 7 in the United States and Number 2 in the United Kingdom |
| 1960 | Feel So Fine | Number 14 in the United States |
| 1960 | I’m Starting to Go Steady | Entered the United Kingdom charts |
| Early 1960s | Leave My Kitten Alone | Minor hit that later gained recognition through interest from the Beatles |
These recordings secured Preston’s place in early rock and roll. His appearances on nationally televised programs such as American Bandstand, The Buddy Deane Show, and The Milt Grant Show introduced him to millions of viewers.
He also toured internationally, performing with artists including Freddy Cannon and Conway Twitty.
The Big Bopper’s Lasting Influence
Whenever I think about Jonny Preston’s career, I cannot separate it from the influence of the Big Bopper.
Richardson was far more than a songwriter. He became Preston’s mentor, supporter, and industry guide. He opened studio doors, connected him with experienced producers, and helped transform a promising local performer into a recording artist.
His contributions extended into the recording itself. The distinctive background chants on Running Bear became one of the song’s defining features.
Although Richardson never lived to witness the song’s success, his fingerprints remained on every note.
In many ways, he planted the seed while Jonny Preston nurtured the tree.
Life Beyond the Peak Years
Before musical trends changed, Preston, like many early rock and roll musicians, enjoyed immense fame in a comparatively short amount of time.
Rather than going away entirely, he adjusted.
In the ensuing decades, he continued to record for various labels and play at rockabilly festivals and oldies concerts in Australia, England, and the United States.
He was well received by audiences who recalled the heyday of rock & roll. Instead of trying to follow new trends, his performances turned into celebrations of musical history.
He continued to perform with musicians from Lamar State College Port Arthur in 2009 and 2010.
His commitment proved that music was more than just a job. It was still a part of who he was.
Jonny Preston’s Family Life
Public attention focused mainly on Jonny Preston’s music, yet his family remained central throughout his life.
He married Sharon Preston, who stood beside him until his passing in 2011. While the spotlight often followed his concerts and recordings, Sharon represented the steady support waiting beyond the stage lights.
Together they raised four children.
Their family included:
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Sharon Preston | Wife |
| Scott Preston | Son |
| Michael Preston | Son |
| Leslie Preston | Daughter |
| Lisa Preston | Daughter |
He was also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren, reflecting a family tree that continued to grow long after his greatest musical achievements.
His parents, John Preston Courville Sr. and Margaret Schexnayder Courville, helped establish the close knit family environment that shaped his early years.
Stories shared by relatives describe large Cajun family gatherings filled with conversation, laughter, and shared traditions. Those memories paint a picture of a man who remained connected to his roots despite international recognition.
A Proud Member of the Southeast Texas Community
Although fame carried Jonny Preston across the United States and overseas, he remained deeply connected to Southeast Texas.
He spent much of his life in the Port Arthur and Beaumont region.
Friends and relatives remembered him as approachable, talented, and devoted to his community. He attended Park Central Church of Christ and maintained friendships that stretched back decades.
Unlike many entertainers who permanently relocated to major entertainment centers, Preston chose to remain close to home.
That decision reflected his personality. Success expanded his world without replacing the place where it all began.
Later Years and Final Chapter
Jonny Preston faced health issues as the years went by.
After experiencing severe cardiac issues, he had coronary artery bypass surgery in 2010. He continued to appear whenever he could in spite of these health problems.
He passed away in Beaumont, Texas, on March 4, 2011, at the age of 71 from heart failure.
He was buried in Port Neches, Texas’ Oak Bluff Memorial Park.
Later that year, a tribute event honoring his music and the joy he offered to generations of listeners brought together musicians and fans.
Honors and Lasting Legacy
Recognition continued throughout Preston’s later years.
Among his honors were induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Museum of the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame.
His influence also reached unexpected places.
His recording of Leave My Kitten Alone attracted the attention of the young Beatles, who later recorded their own version. Small moments like these reveal how one artist’s work can ripple outward like stones dropped into still water.
Although Running Bear remains his defining achievement, his broader contribution to early rock and roll deserves equal appreciation.
FAQ
Who was Jonny Preston?
Jonny Preston, whose full name was John Preston Courville, was an American rock and roll singer born on August 18, 1939, in Port Arthur, Texas. He became internationally famous for his 1959 hit Running Bear.
Who discovered Jonny Preston?
He was discovered by J. P. Richardson, better known as the Big Bopper, while performing with his band The Shades at the Twilight Club in Port Neches, Texas.
Why is Running Bear so famous?
The song reached number one on both the United States Billboard Hot 100 and the United Kingdom charts. It sold more than one million copies and became one of the defining hits of the late 1950s.
Did Jonny Preston have other successful songs?
Yes. His biggest follow up hits included Cradle of Love, Feel So Fine, I’m Starting to Go Steady, and Leave My Kitten Alone.
Who were Jonny Preston’s family members?
His immediate family included his wife Sharon Preston, sons Scott Preston and Michael Preston, daughters Leslie Preston and Lisa Preston, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. His parents were John Preston Courville Sr. and Margaret Schexnayder Courville.
What role did the Big Bopper play in his career?
The Big Bopper discovered Jonny Preston, wrote Running Bear, helped arrange the recording session, participated in the background vocals, and connected Preston with recording industry professionals who launched his career.
Where did Jonny Preston spend most of his life?
Although he toured internationally, he spent most of his life in Southeast Texas, especially around Port Arthur and Beaumont.
When did Jonny Preston die?
Jonny Preston died on March 4, 2011, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 71 after suffering from heart failure.
Where is Jonny Preston buried?
He was buried at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.
What is Jonny Preston remembered for today?
He is remembered as one of early rock and roll’s memorable voices, the singer who brought Running Bear to life, a devoted family man, and a proud representative of the rich musical heritage of Southeast Texas.
