O'Daniel, Wilbert Lee

O'Daniel, Wilbert Lee (“Pappy”)

(1890–1969) musician, governor, U.S. senator; born in Malta, Ohio. A businessman and radio music performer, he composed scores of songs; one, "Them Hillbillies are Politicians Now," led to a campaign that climaxed with his election as governor of Texas (Dem., 1939–41). He went on to serve in the U.S. Senate (1941–49). Although famed for his campaigning techniques, he espoused such conservative views that he had little influence in the Senate.