Daniel Jones (composer)
A Welsh composer who wove the lyrical magic of Dylan Thomas's words into haunting music, alongside a formidable cycle of symphonies.
1912–1993 (age 81)·Welsh composer·Birthday: December 7·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Daniel Jones carved out a distinct and respected place in 20th-century British music from his home in Wales. A childhood friend of Dylan Thomas, with whom he shared a deep creative bond, Jones's compositional voice was both intellectual and passionately expressive. He refused to be pinned to a single doctrine, moving fluidly between the rigors of serialism and the emotional pull of tonality across a substantial body of work. His thirteen symphonies form a core of his output, each a carefully argued essay in sound that builds a grand architectural vision. Yet he is perhaps most immediately loved for his vocal music, particularly the luminous and evocative settings he crafted for Thomas's 'Under Milk Wood', which capture the play's humor, pathos, and uniquely Welsh cadences. A quiet, dedicated figure, Jones's music stands as a bridge between modernist thought and the enduring power of lyrical storytelling.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Daniel was born in 1912, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Daniel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
Daniel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 40
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 50
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 60
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 70
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 80
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1993Died at 81
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
Key Achievements
- Composed thirteen symphonies, establishing a major cycle in post-war British music.
- Created the definitive incidental music and song settings for Dylan Thomas's radio drama 'Under Milk Wood'.
- Produced a significant body of chamber music, including eight string quartets.
- Served as the musical editor and literary trustee for the works of his close friend Dylan Thomas.
Did You Know?
He and Dylan Thomas invented a secret language called 'Urdd' as boys.
He was awarded the CBE in 1968 for his services to music.
His Symphony No. 12 is subtitled 'In memoriam Dylan Thomas'.
He wrote an autobiography titled 'My Friend Dylan Thomas'.
“My music is built from the shapes and stresses of the Welsh language itself.”
