About David Owen
Lived 1712 – 1741 (aged 28–29). David Owen was a British composer.
David Owen (January 1712 – August 1741) was a Welsh harpist, best remembered as the composer of the popular song, "Dafydd y Garreg Wen" ("David of the White Rock"), which according to tradition Owen composed as he was dying. Dafydd y Garreg Wen was later adapted and published by harpist Edward Jones.
David Owen was the son of Owen Humphreys of Ynyscynhaearn in Caernarfonshire (the surname "Owen" being a patronymic). His mother's maiden name was Gwen Roberts. He composed several well-known airs. He was buried in the churchyard of St Cynhaiarn's Church in his home village of Ynyscynhaearn.
Musical works "Dafydd y Garreg Wen" "Codiad yr Ehedydd" ("The rising of the lark") "Difyrrwch gwŷr Criccieth" ("The delight of the men of Criccieth")
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Important facts
People in David Owen's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped David Owen's
Frequently asked questions
Who was David Owen?
Welsh harpist
When was David Owen born?
David Owen was born on 27 January 1712 in Ynyscynhaearn.
When did David Owen die?
David Owen died in 1741.
What was David Owen's occupation?
David Owen was a composer.
What nationality was David Owen?
David Owen was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: David Owen (harpist)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). David Owen. https://biography.guide/david-owen-composer/
MLA: "David Owen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/david-owen-composer/.
Chicago: "David Owen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/david-owen-composer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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