Contributions to the tribute of James H. Litton

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Friday, November 11, 2022

Dr Litton acted as an external advisor or consultant for the music program, during a time of transition at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton, circa 2006. We were fortified by his collegial presence and wisdom. For several following years he continued to visit and worship intermittently, and a few times played as a substitute organist. I respected him greatly and am grateful to have known him. May you sit in the presence of God who sustained you, Jim

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Jadine Greenland posted a condolence

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Met Mr. Litton three(3) months ago as I am new to Brighton Gardens, Florham. I will never forget that baritone voice! It reminded me of my predeceased choir master. Whenever he was in a room you knew it! To his daughter Deborah. Truly a daddy's girl. Always concerned about her dad's well being! Sleep on James. We miss you. Your REM team and overall Brighton Gardens!!!

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Timothy Hansell posted a condolence

Friday, November 4, 2022

What can I say? Dr. Litton was a gentle giant. He helped mold youngsters into outstanding choirboys and even more important into respectful gentleman. Many of us owe so much to Dr. Litton. I know I am thankful for the time and dedication he had for me to make sure I succeeded!

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Donald J Degenhardt posted a condolence

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Where to begin? Entering Westminster Choir College in the Fall of 1975, I took an Interim Course, January '76, I think it was titled "Training the Boy Choir;" Jim Litton taught it using the boys and girls from his choir at Trinity Church to demonstrate his many techniques. At the first rehearsal I recall at the end of rehearsing one anthem, Jim jumped up from the piano then passed out copies of the Brahms Requiem. The kids were sight reading through several of the pieces when Jim stopped in the middle of a piece saying to his choristers, "Close your books!" He then asked, "What was that last interval you sang?" Several hands went up in response. Jim called on one of the boys, who quickly answered, "a minor sixth!" "Very good, let's move on," was Mr. Litton's response. I was in total shock. At the end of the course, I met with Jim privately to ask --more like beg-- to join the choir. He allowed me to join, and that began a seven-year association I had with the choirs of Trinity Church -- and later Princeton Seminary where I was fortunate to be one of Jim's assistants. The blessings I received, in addition to the many lessons learned from Jim have remained with me throughout my five decades plus serving churches as Organist/Choir Director. Another highlight occurred in June 1979, Jim invited me to join him on a ten-day trip to England to help organize an upcoming tour of the Trinity Choir of Men, Boys and Girls which was to take place the next year. It was the trip of a lifetime with many highlights I hold dear to this day. Sir James, my dear mentor and friend, I treasure our many conversations over the years. I miss you, but know I shall see you again someday, "where the angels learn to fly." Requiescat in pace. Don "DJ" Degenhardt

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David Litton Posted Nov 3, 2022 at 6:01 PM

Thanks for the tribute, DJ. Great to hear from you! Dave Litton

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Patrick Fennig uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, November 3, 2022

I sang under Dr. Litton exactly one time, at the 2016 AAM Conference. This was a great honor for me after hearing of his influence on so many of my friends and colleagues throughout the years. He was truly a giant in our field.

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Elem Eley posted a condolence

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Jim played such a huge role in the life of our family, particularly our son, Ben. Ben enrolled in the American Boychoir School, 1987-1992, during the "glory years" of the Boychoir. As parents, we heard the boys sing frequently, including in the major halls with major orchestras. Jim even gave me exciting opportunities to sing and record with him. What a superb musician Jim was; more importantly, he was a warm, wise, supportive, and generous human - a man of deep faith. I miss him already. Jim, you made indelible contributions to the life of our family, and we are eternally grateful.

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Jerry Custer posted a condolence

Thursday, November 3, 2022

In 1971, I entered Westminster Choir College having no experience with or understanding of hymnody. Within a week, Jim Litton hired me as one of his tenors at Trinity Church, Princeton and changed my life forever. Today, 51 years later and a church musician and choral composer for nearly all of it, I have Dr Litton to thank. I'd never seen a hymnal: he introduced me to the 1940. I'd never heard Britten: he introduced me to St Nicolas. I'd never studied composition: he sent me to my first last and only teacher, Malcolm Williamson. I'd never studied hymnody: he introduced me to Dr Lee Hastings Bristol, Jr. When my choir sings Vaughan Williams' O How Amiable this Sunday, and I turn to invite the congregation to sing St Anne at the end, it will be in his honour.

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John C. Baker posted a condolence

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Jim Litton was a quiet and calm giant among men, a musician par excellence. I worked with him many times when he was at Trinity l, Princeton and in making recordings both for The American BoyChoir and the Washington National Cathedral, a privilege in each and every one of these instances. His profound knowledge and professionalism were second to none, and I learned much about choral arts as we worked together. I will miss him greatly.

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The family of James H. Litton uploaded a photo

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

James H. Litton

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

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