Johnny Preston, born John Preston Courville on August 18, 1939, in Port Arthur, Texas, was an American rock and roll singer of Cajun and German descent. He gained international fame with his 1959 hit "Running Bear," a song written by J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The song, recorded in Houston, Texas, featured background vocals by Richardson and George Jones and became a number one hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Preston followed this success with other hits like "Cradle of Love" and "Feel So Fine."

Preston began his musical journey singing in high school choral contests and formed a band called the Shades. His career was launched after being discovered by Richardson while performing at a local club. Throughout the early 1960s, Preston released several records, making appearances on popular television shows like American Bandstand.

His contributions to rock and roll were recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Preston continued to perform until 2009, and he passed away on March 4, 2011, in Beaumont, Texas, due to heart failure. He was survived by his wife Sharon, two sons, and two daughters. A tribute concert was held in his honor later that year.