Jimmie Davis, Louisiana's 'singing governor,' dies at age 101

Former Louisiana Gov. Jimmie Davis at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1987

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (AP) -- Jimmie Davis, the "singing governor" who drew on his popularity as a maker of hits such as "You Are My Sunshine" to twice win election to the state's top office, died Sunday at age 101, his former press secretary said.

"He died at 4:40 a.m., peacefully in his sleep in his home at Baton Rouge," Ed Reed said.

Davis parlayed smooth talking and sweet singing into a political career, serving as governor from 1944-48 and 1960-64.

He estimated that he wrote more than 400 songs, including "It Makes No Difference Now" and "Sweethearts or Strangers," and recorded at least 52 albums. "You Are My Sunshine," his first smash hit in the late '30s, became a standard.

Age had taken its toll on Davis in recent years, but he frequently mustered the strength to perform. He sang at his own 100th birthday celebration in Baton Rouge in September 1999. At a quieter, private celebration a year later he was in a jocular mood.

"It's a great day for me," he told The Associated Press in one of his last interviews. "I'm getting the hang of these things."

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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