John Hughes (1872–1914)

Landore John Hughes (born 1872, Penybryn, Pembrokeshire – died 3 Stockwell Villas, Treboeth, Swansea, 1914) was a Welsh composer made famous by his tune CALON LÂN, generally used with a poem of same name by Daniel James (Gwyrosydd). Hughes composed and harmonized the tune at the explicit invitation of Gwyrosydd. Hughes as well composed many other hymn tunes.

Hughes worked his entire secular career for Dyffryn Steel Works in Morriston, beginning as an office boy and ending as marketing manager. He traveled internationally with the company and in the process taught himself six languages besides his native Welsh. He died of a brain hemorrhage and was buried adjacent to his parents in the graveyard of Caersalem Newydd Welsh Baptist Chapel, where he had served as organist. Fellow workers from the Steel Works served as his pallbearers.^[1]

Hughes composed many of his tunes for Gymanfu Ganu and other Welsh singing meetings.

Hughes and his wife Mary Ann Thomas Hughes had three daughters.

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