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On September 11th, 1899, Jimmie Davis was born as James Houston Davis. He was born at Quitman near Beech Springs, Louisiana.
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In 1938, James Davis was elected as Shreveport's Commissioner of Public Safety.
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Though the date is unknown, the popular song "You Are My Sunshine." was first recorded by Jimmie Davis in 1940.
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In November of 1944, Jimmie Davis was first elected as the 47th governor of Louisiana.
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Though the actual date is unknown, duriing a campaign stop in Shreveport, Davis was accused of "going high hat" because he would not sing. He decided to speak and then sing three or four songs. This strategy continued throughout his campaigns.
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In 1960, Davis was elected once more as Louisiana's governor. A term marked by struggles over civil rights and school desegregation. During this term, he built the Sunshine Brudge, the new Governor's Mansion and the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
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The Sunshine Bridge was completed late in 1963, named after Davis' song "You Are My Sunshine."
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Jimmie Davis died in his sleep at his Baton Rouge home on November 5th, 2000. He was 101 years old, and made public appearances until a few months before his departure.
