Here is a collection of songs performed in American migrant labor camps in 1940-41:

Voices from the Dustbowl


On the complete flipside is this excellent compilation of peppy pop songs from the period:

Looking on the Bright Side: 25 Cheer-up songs, 1925-41. AVS/Living Era 5255

1. When You're Smiling - Louis Armstrong
2. Happy Days Are Here Again - Bert Ambrose
3. Looking on the Bright Side - Gracie Fields
4. Lucky Day - The Revelers
5. Sunshine - Whispering Jack Smith
6. The Best Things in Life Are Free - Jack Hylton
7. My Blackbirds Are Bluebirds Now - The National Cavaliers
8. Spread a Little Happiness - Binnie Hale
9. Singin' in the Rain - Cliff 'Ukelele Ike' Edwards
10. Painting the Clouds with Sunshine - Johnny Marvin
11. Keep Your Sunny Side Up - Johnny Hamp & His Kentucky Serenaders
12. On the Sunny Side of the Street - Ted Lewis
13. Happy Feet - Paul Whiteman
14. Sunny Days - Layton & Johnstone
15. Smile, Darn Ya, Smile - Billy Colton
16. Today I Feel So Happy - Percival Mackey & His Kit-Cat Band
17. Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries - Jack Hylton
18. The Clouds Will Soon Roll By - Elsie Carlisle
19. Letting In the Sunshine - Sam Browne
20. There's a New Day Comin' - Harry Roy
21. When You've Got a Little Springtime in Your Heart - Al Bowlly
22. Pennies from Heaven - Frances Langford/Louis Armstrong/Bing Crosby
23. Things Are Looking Up - Fred Astaire
24. With a Smile and a Song - Freddie Rich
25. Look for the Silver Lining - Connee Boswell