Johnny Preston’s "Running Bear," released in March 1960, became a surprise number-one hit, selling over two million copies. The song's tale of forbidden love between a Native American boy and a white girl, though controversial, resonated widely.
- The song was written by Mel Torme and Jay Livingston. It was produced by Pappy Downing. It was released on the Burning Fire label.
- Despite its success, the song was banned by some radio stations due to its controversial subject matter.
- The B-side to "Running Bear" was "Affair of the Heart."
Johnny Preston was an American rockabilly singer from Louisiana. "Running Bear" was a one-off hit that reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1960.
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