Video
Historical Narrative
“This Little Light of Mine,” arranged by Betty Jackson King, was dedicated to Bernard Adams, Director of The Chicago Choral Silhouettes, a distinguished community choral ensemble deeply rooted in Chicago’s postwar music culture. The group originated from the Billingsly Ladies Ensemble in 1950, named by Mrs. Jennie Bell Anderson and founded by Trv. Herman Billingsly, who directed the ensemble for eight years. Under Billingsly’s inspired leadership and the ensemble’s dedication, they achieved notable recognition, including first place in the Choral Singing Division of the 1953 Chicagoland Music Festival. In 1958, the young and dynamic Bernard Adams, who had served as Assistant Director, succeeded Billingsly as the ensemble’s new leader. The ensemble’s by-laws and concert programs describe a flourishing organization, performing frequently throughout Chicago. By 1952—just two years after their founding—they had already presented at least twelve concerts at venues such as Kimball Hall, Winfield Hospital, Abraham Lincoln Center, McCormick Place, DuSable High School Auditorium, Monumental Baptist Church, and 44th Street Baptist Church, as well as other South Side churches. These activities reflected not only artistic excellence but also a deep commitment to community engagement and cultural expression.
Under Adams’s direction, The Chicago Choral Silhouettes evolved into one of the city’s most respected community choirs, known for their annual June Rose Concerts, which became a beloved musical tradition. Adams’s influence extended well beyond the Silhouettes. A gifted baritone and accomplished conductor, he also served as Director of Music at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church and Saint John Church-Baptist, two of Chicago’s most historically significant congregations. A member of the Lyric Opera Company and The Imperial Opera Company—the latter founded by Gertrude Virginia Smith Jackson Taylor (1903–1995), King’s mother—Adams bridged the worlds of classical, sacred, and community music with grace and skill. His formal vocal training under Thelma Waide Brown at Roosevelt University—who was also King’s teacher—created a shared artistic lineage between the two musicians, deepening their collaboration. As King’s brother-in-law, Adams was not only a colleague but a trusted musical partner whose artistry she admired.
Musical Description
Betty Jackson King’s SATB arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine” in E-flat major brings a fresh, dynamic vitality to the beloved spiritual. Marked Steady, the piece builds from gentle warmth to full choral brilliance through rhythmic drive, harmonic richness, and expressive layering of the text. King’s interplay of voices—especially in the echoing phrases “Shine on” and “Let it shine”—encourages both musical precision and heartfelt conviction. Closing with a jubilant affirmation of faith, this work reflects King’s signature blend of gospel energy and classical craftsmanship, making it ideal for worship, concert, or festival performance.