James Simmons (1933–2001) was a poet, literary critic and songwriter from Derry, Northern Ireland. He was born into a middle-class Protestant family and attended Campbell College in Belfast before going to the University of Leeds.
During the 1970's, he was the inspiration and leading light for the 'Resistance Cabaret', which combined song and poetry which were embedded with political commentary. Simmons was also a member of 'The Belfast Group' with other notable writers such as Michael Longley, Seamus Heaney and Derek Mahon.