<P> Virginia Shehee, a long - time Davis family friend and member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1976 to 1980, introduced legislation to make "You Are My Sunshine" the official state song . </P> <P> In Gavin Lambert's 1963 novel "Inside Daisy Clover," Daisy often sings "You Are My Sunshine" to pick up her spirits when she's feeling down . </P> <P> Two versions of "You Are My Sunshine" were recorded and released in 1939 prior to Jimmie Davis' version . The first was recorded for Bluebird Records (RCA - Victor's budget label) on August 22, 1939, by The Pine Ridge Boys (Marvin Taylor and Doug Spivey), who were from Atlanta . The second was recorded for Decca Records on September 13, 1939, by The Rice Brothers Gang . This group was originally from north Georgia but relocated to Shreveport, where they were performing on the radio station KWKH . The version by Jimmie Davis was recorded for Decca Records on February 5, 1940 . </P> <Ul> <Li> <P> The Pine Ridge Boys </P> </Li> <Li> <P> Rice Brothers Gang </P> </Li> <Li> <P> Jimmie Davis with Charles Mitchell's Orchestra </P> </Li> </Ul>

Who is the original artist of you are my sunshine