Inducted 1997

Jimmie Davis overcame immense poverty to become one of the most beloved writers and performers in country and gospel music as well as a two-term governor of Louisiana.

Davis' early musical success was in the country field as a recording artist for the Victor and Decca labels. In 1940, he composed and recorded his signature song, "You Are My Sunshine," a song that was subsequently recorded more than 350 times. Over the next two decades, Davis returned to his gospel roots with recordings such as "Suppertime," "Honey in the Rock," "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" and numerous other gospel favorites. His best-known gospel composition was "Someone To Care." 

Davis traveled extensively with the Plainsmen Quartet in the late-1950s, frequently appeared as a soloist alongside other prominent Southern Gospel groups, and served as President of the Gospel Music Association in 1967.  In 1971 Davis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the following year was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.