Henry John Gauntlett (9 July 1805 – 21 February 1876) was a prominent English organist and songwriter, renowned for his significant contributions to church music. Born in Wellington, Shropshire, Gauntlett became the organist at Olney church in Buckinghamshire at the tender age of nine, where his father was the curate and later vicar. Although initially pursuing a career in law, Gauntlett's passion for music led him to abandon the legal profession around the age of forty to fully dedicate himself to music.

He served as an organist at several leading London churches, including All Saints Notting Hill and St Olave's in Southwark, where he designed a grand organ. His close friendship with composer Felix Mendelssohn saw him chosen as the organist for the premiere of Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah" in 1846. Gauntlett was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the first such degree conferred by the Archbishop in over two centuries.

Gauntlett was a pioneer in improving church music, advocating for better organ construction and composing over 1,000 hymn tunes. His most famous tune, "Irby," is associated with the Christmas carol "Once in Royal David's City." He also patented an "electrical-action apparatus" for organs in 1852. Gauntlett's work significantly elevated the standard of church music, aiming to enhance congregational singing and choir performances. He passed away in London and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.