About James Barr
Lived 1779 – 1860 (aged 80–81). James Barr was a British composer.
James Barr (1779–1860) was a Scottish composer who composed the tune which inspired the tune now used for the Australian traditional song "Waltzing Matilda."
Born in Tarbolton in South Ayrshire, Barr taught music and worked for a publisher in Glasgow. Barr set several poems by his friend Robert Tannahill to music.
Barr emigrated for Canada in 1832, where he worked as a farmer until 1855. He died in Kilbarchan in Renfrewshire, Scotland.
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Important facts
People in James Barr's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was James Barr?
British composer
When was James Barr born?
James Barr was born in 1779.
When did James Barr die?
James Barr died in 1860.
What was James Barr's occupation?
James Barr was a composer.
What nationality was James Barr?
James Barr was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: James Barr (composer)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Barr. https://biography.guide/james-barr-composer/
MLA: "James Barr." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-barr-composer/.
Chicago: "James Barr." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-barr-composer/.
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