music.wikisort.org - Composer

Harry Dixon Loes (October 20, 1892 – February 9, 1965) was an American composer and teacher, best known for his composition of the children's gospel song "This Little Light of Mine". Loes was a musical director in several churches and an evangelist for more than a dozen years.

Life

Harry Loes was born in Kalamazoo[1][2] as the son of Fred Loes and Louise Novak Loes.[3] He was the musical director in several churches. Subsequently Loes became involved in evangelistic work for more than a dozen years.[1] Afterwards he became a music teacher at the Moody Bible Institute in 1939,[4] where he worked until his death.[1] He adopted the middle name of "Dixon" as an homage to the former pastor of the Moody Church, Dr. A. C. Dixon.[3] In 1924 Loes married Garnet Leonard.[3]

Loes was first inspired by Paul Rader during a sermon at the Moody church about “All that I want is in Jesus” in 1915. After hearing the sermon, Loes wrote the lyrics of a hymn called "All Things in Jesus" which was later sung by the youth group of the church. During his lifetime, Loes crafted the words to over 1,500 hymns, and created the music for some 3,000 others.[4] He died in Chicago on February 9, 1965 at the age of 72.[2]

This Little Light of Mine

"This Little Light" was inspired by a sermon at Moody's church[5] "which reflected the subject of Christ's atonement",^{[This quote needs a citation]} on lyrics by Loes' friend Avis Burgeson Christiansen. She was already known for her hymns in her native Chicago, writing both lyrics and music. Christiansen provided words and arrangements for Loes' compositions.[5] It was first published in 1920 in the hymnal Songs of Redemption.[1]

"This Little Light of Mine" was sung as part of the protests during the 2015 Baltimore protests.[6] The song was also covered by contemporary artist Bruce Springsteen in Dublin.[7]

Other hymns

Loes also wrote the music to "All Things in Jesus", "Blessed Redemer", "Love Found a Way", and "Shine for Jesus Where You Are".[8] In addition to his musical contributions, Loes also wrote the lyrics to "All Things in Jesus", and "Shine for Jesus Where You Are" and "At the Judgment Bar".[3]

References

---