Local entertainer Rudy Preston has performed in every country on the world during his military service.
Rudy’s entertainment career flourished in the 1950’s, even though he never recorded a hit record. He was a recording artist on King Records with label-mates like Clyde McPhatter and James Brown. It was during this era that his show personality enabled him to open shows for The Royal Teens (“Who Wears Short Shorts”), Joey Dee (“The Peppermint Twist”), Danny and the Juniors (“At the Hop”), Lloyd Price (“Stagger Lee”), Lavern Baker (“Jim Dandy”) and The Coaster “(Charlie Brown”).
Entertainers like Dolly Parton have recorded his songs and a friendship with the late western actor Ben Johnson landed him a role in the Glenn Ford movie “Comanche Crossing”.
In past years, he has produced several jamboree and opry-type shows, in the Arklatex. He also has a unique ability at doing impersonations.
Preston’s great grandson Cameron Stovall enjoys doing shows with his papaw and is following in his footsteps. He sings well, dances great, is from Gurdon and as many have said “he’s quite a showman at the ripe old age of nine.”
Cameron and Rudy will appear at the 2010 Jonquil Festibal in Old Washington along with some of the 4 state areas top entertainers.
Cameron will also join his papaw at a Blevin’s barbecue to benefit the Children’s Hospital May 1, the Relay for Life in Arkadelphia and Hope and the 2010 Watermelon Festival.
Cameron is the son of Ashley Goodman, of Gurdon, and the grandson of Charles and the late Wanda Goodman, of Gurdon.
Prescott, Ark. —
