Biography
Jimmie Davis (born James Houston Davis, c. 1899 in Beech Springs, Louisiana) was a multifaceted figure in American culture, celebrated as a country and gospel singer, songwriter, and two-term governor of Louisiana. Raised as one of eleven children to sharecropper parents, Davis worked his way through Louisiana College and Louisiana State University, earning a master's degree in education. He began his musical journey singing in college groups and busking on street corners to fund his education, later teaching at a Baptist college while performing on local radio.
Davis signed his first record deal in 1929, initially recording blues and risqué songs before achieving major success with country hits like 'Nobody's Darling But Mine' and, most famously, 'You Are My Sunshine.' The latter became an American classic, covered by countless artists and adopted as Louisiana's official state song. His smooth vocal style and blend of country, western swing, and gospel helped popularize these genres beyond their southern roots. Davis's career was marked by a unique crossover between music and politics; he used his musical persona to connect with voters, earning the nickname 'the singing governor.'
After his initial country music fame, Davis transitioned to gospel in the 1950s, recording extensively and maintaining a public presence for over 70 years. His legacy endures through his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, making him a singular figure in both music and political history.
Fun Facts
- Jimmie Davis's exact birth date is unknown—even to him—due to poor record-keeping in his sharecropper family.
- 'You Are My Sunshine' was used as his campaign song and later became the official state song of Louisiana.
- Davis appeared in several Hollywood Western films, often playing himself, including the 1947 movie 'Louisiana' loosely based on his life.
- He is the only person to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jimmie Rodgers - Davis modeled his early recordings and vocal style after Jimmie Rodgers, the 'Father of Country Music,' adopting his use of yodeling and double entendres. (Early Victor Records sessions (1929–1932)) [Late 1920s–early 1930s]
Key Collaborators
- African American blues musicians (unnamed) - Davis experimented with a wide range of musical accompaniment, including jazz bands and African American bluesmen, during his early recording years. (Early Victor Records sessions) [1929–1932]
- Decca Records session musicians - Worked with various country and western swing musicians during his prolific Decca years. (Hits such as 'Nobody's Darling But Mine', 'You Are My Sunshine') [1934–1950s]
Artists Influenced
- Ray Charles - Covered 'You Are My Sunshine,' helping to bridge country and R&B audiences. ('You Are My Sunshine' (Ray Charles version, 1962)) [1960s]
- Gene Autry - Covered Davis's songs and adopted his blend of country and western swing. ('You Are My Sunshine' (Gene Autry version, 1941)) [1940s]
- Bing Crosby - Popularized 'You Are My Sunshine' with his own recording, further spreading Davis's influence. ('You Are My Sunshine' (Bing Crosby version, 1941)) [1940s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Essential Mormon Tabernacle Choir | 1959 | Album |
| Louisiana (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) | 1996-04-17 | Album |
| You Are My Sunshine | 2016-01-29 | Album |
| The Country Music Hall Of Fame | 1991-05-03 | Album |
| Jimmie Davis Presents You Are My Sunshine | 1959-07-22 | Album |
| 100 Country Classics | 2011-03-01 | Album |
| Lonely Hobo - Jimmie Davis Honoring The Yodeling Cowboy | 2023-07-07 | Album |
| Golden Selection (Remastered) | 2020-07-24 | Album |
| Mary | 2018-08-13 | Album |
| You Are My Sunshine | 2024-03-11 | Album |
| Jam Session Blues | 2021-09-17 | Album |
| Little Sunshine | 2020-12-04 | Album |
| The Singing Governor (Remastered) | 2020-10-09 | Album |
| Sweet Lorene | 2018-09-12 | Album |
| Ramona | 2018-09-05 | Album |
Top Tracks
- There's A New Moon Over My Shoulder (Louisiana (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture))
- You Are My Sunshine (You Are My Sunshine)
- You Are My Sunshine (The Country Music Hall Of Fame)
- You Are My Sunshine (Louisiana (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture))
- There's a New Moon Over My Shoulder (Jimmie Davis Presents You Are My Sunshine)
- It Makes No Difference Now
- you are my sunshine
- You Are My Sunshine (Alternate Take) (Jimmie Davis Presents You Are My Sunshine)
- You Are My Sunshine
- Lover Man/Smile
External Links
Tags: #country, #country-gospel, #politician
References
Heard on WWOZ
jimmie davis has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2025 | 20:41 | Out of Town Blues | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |