Thanks kelemvor,
I think you are onto something. The GFCI was tripped and now the light works again. This cannot have been the problem all along but it certainly solved the problem this go-round. I recall a day when water sprayed and could have caused the tripping. I have my fingers crossed that the light problems from the past will not recur and next time (if there is a next time) the light doesn't work, first place I'll check is the GFCI.