Ballad writing seems to have been Jones's primary occupation, though little is known about his origins. He was one of the most prolific ballad writers in eighteenth-century Wales, and 100 or so of his ballads survive. These are based on traditional themes, and were composed mainly between 1749 and 1780. His literary output includes five interludes. He would have received payment for his works, and he also profited by independently printing and selling his interludes throughout north Wales. He was imprisoned on two occasions, once, it seems, for non-payment of a printing debt. Seems to follow the pattern of delayed publication and not having many works in ESTC.