You Are My Sunshine

“You Are My Sunshine” is a popular song first recorded in 1939. It has been declared one of the state songs of Louisiana as a result of its association with former state governor and country music singer Jimmie Davis. The song is copyright 1940 Peer International Corporation, words and music by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell. According to a 1990 article by Theodore Pappas, the original song was written by Oliver Hood. Continue reading

Yellow Bird

“Choucoune” (Haitian Creole: Choukoun) is a 19th century Haitian song composed by Michel Mauleart Monton with lyrics from a poem by Oswald Durand. It was rewritten with English lyrics in the 20th century as “Yellow Bird.” One of Oswald Durand’s most famous works is the 1883 “Choucoune,” a lyrical poem praising the beauty of a Haitian woman of that nickname. Continue reading