Jimmie Davis - Definition and Overview

James Houston Davis, better known as Jimmie Davis, (September 11, 1899 - November 5, 2000) was a noted singer who served as Governor of Louisiana.

He was a commercially successful singer of "Cowboy music" before entering politics. He performed several successful songs, most notably "You Are My Sunshine," which was officially designated the official state song of Louisiana in 1977. (The song was copyrighted under Davis's name after he purchased the song from its composers.)

Davis was elected as a Democrat to the governorship from 1944 to 1948 and from 1960 to 1964. He was "the singing governor", often performing music during his campaigns.

During his tenures he enforced policies of racial segregation, but apologized for it later in life. One time during his tenure, he rode his horse up the steps of the state Capitol to protest integration.

Davis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1972.

See also

• List of Governors of Louisiana
• Country Music Hall of Fame's Jimmie Davis page (http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/inductees/jimmie_davis.html)