James James James James James James (also known by the bardic name "Iago ap Ieuan") (1832–1902) was a harpist and musician from Pontypridd, Wales. He composed the tune of the Welsh national anthem "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" (also known as "Land of my Fathers"). Today, the same tune is also used for the Breton anthem, "Bro Gozh ma Zadoù", and the Cornish anthem, "Bro Goth agan Tasow". James was born on 4 November 1832, at the 'Ancient Druid' inn, Hollybush, in the parish of Bedwellty, Monmouthshire. He was the son of Evan James (1809–1878) and Elizabeth Stradling of Caerphilly. His father, a
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was first performed in the vestry of the original Capel Tabor, Maesteg (which later became a working men's club), in either January or February 1856, by Elizabeth John from Pontypridd, and it soon became popular in the locality. James James, the composer, was a harpist who played his instrument in the public house which he ran, for the purpose of dancing. The song was originally intended to be performed in 6/8 time, but had to be slowed down to its present tempo when it began to be sung by large crowds. The popularity of the song increased after the Llangollen