accountaddarrow-down695E50F9-6460-43FC-BC81-B4CA19A6E7D0 arrow-leftarrow-right-normalarrow-rightarrow-upbadge-cma-theater-textbadge-cma-theater badge-hatch-show-print-newbadge-hatch-show-printbadge-hatch-textbadge-studio-b-textbadge-studio-bblogbook open 2 Combined Shape Group 13 calendar-createcalendar date 2 caret-downcaret-upC6C7D574-21AF-430C-BC02-A72187954DEE cartn check clockclosecma-theater-dark cma-theater cmhf-dark cmhf cookiesDirect Left downloadexhibitsexpandicon-fb file-pdffile-pptxfwis-asterikgallery-skip-singleicon-gallery-skip guitar hatch-dark hatch historyhouse illustration-plaquesillustration-towerinfo icon-instagram lesson-buslesson-gradlesson-laptopbullet list 69 locationlogo-round-bw-cma-theater-alt logo-round-bw-cma-theater logo-round-bw-hatch logo-round-bw-studio-b logo-round-cma-theaternulllogo-round-hatch-show-print logo-round-ko-cma-theater- logo-round-ko-cma-theater-alt logo-round-ko-hatch logo-round-ko-studio-b logo-round-studio-b medalmembershipmemoriam-no-membermemoriammenu-close-icon 40D1676E-88FB-491C-A80B-E517F8FA5DFC 44A609DD-FE48-484B-93C2-72F445BB14F9 menuminusPath 3Created with Sketch. nav-leftnav-rightnew-windowFBFAAA23-3B96-4733-9297-B98AA5118A4F ntta-logo-color notificationpadlockicon-pause phoneGroup 13 icon-play podcastsquestion radio-towerrefresh rotate-cylindosearch settings shareshopskip-singleicon-skip icon-snapchat studio-b-dark studio-btickettime clock icon-twitter twitter videosviolin warning wifi icon-youtube

We use cookies in the following ways: (1) for system administration, (2) to assess the performance of the website, (3) to personalize your experience, content and ads, (4) to provide social media features, and (5) to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Please consult instructions for your web browser to disable or block cookies, or to receive a warning before a cookie is stored on your computer or mobile device. Read our Privacy Policy.

Back to Oral History
  • Oral History

Jimmie Davis

July 8, 1976 OH40 60 min.
Share

Biography


Country music performer and two-time governor of Louisiana. Born September 11, 1899. Died November 5, 2000. Full name: James Houston Davis. Popular recording artist during the late 1930s-early 1940s. Best known for his composition “You Are My Sunshine,” which has been recorded by over 350 artists. Member, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1976 July 8
(1 hour)
Performer Jimmie Davis discusses his music career. Discussion includes his early musical influences; memories from his childhood and college years; his early recordings; his songwriting; and highlights from his years in the music business.