James James

James James (also known by the bardic name Iago ap Ieuan) (1833-1902) was a harpist and musician from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf. He composed the tune of the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad fy Nhadau (also known as Land

James James (also known by the bardic name Iago ap Ieuan) (1833-1902) was a harpist and musician from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf. He composed the tune of the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad fy Nhadau (also known as Land of my Fathers).

James James composed the melody which was later known as Hen Wlad fy Nhadau in January 1856. At first it was known as Glan Rhondda (=The banks of the Rhondda), and gave rise to the tradition that the tune hade come to him as he walked on the bank of the River Rhondda. His father, Evan James, wrote the lyrics which eventually became the words of the Welsh national anthem.