Jimmy Davis, a Democrat who served as governor of Louisiana, wrote and recorded
You Are My Sunshine in 1939. However, Sunshine turned out to be a poor choice for a partner, as indicated by the sequel, which he wrote and recorded. Gene Autry had a hit with the song in the spring of 1946.
I Wish I Had Never Met Sunshine--Gene Autry
You are a wealth of musical knowledge. You ought to write a book! (Or have you already?) Are you familiar with the stories behind hymns and gospel songs too?
(Thanks for sharing your knowledge here.)