Home → Overview → Blues Artists → Eddie Kirkland

Eddie Kirkland

Gypsy of the Blues

Born August 16, 1923, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. The career of guitarist Eddie Kirkland spans 40 years and a variety of musical styles. Soon after his birth the family relocated to the southern states of America and at the age of 15 he took a day job at the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Eddie Kirkland met John Lee Hooker and became his regular accompanist both on the club circuit and on record, proving to be one of the few who could follow John Lee Hooker's erratic style. Eddie Kirkland's first recordings were made in 1952 and throughout the decade he recorded for RPM, King, Cobra, Fortune and Lupine. In 1961 Eddie Kirkland made his first deviation from "down-home" blues when he recorded with King Curtis and Oliver Nelson for Prestige. In the mid-60s he moved to Macon, Georgia, where he turned to soul music, eventually signing to Otis Redding's enterprise Volt, in 1965. Redding used Eddie Kirkland in his touring band, but Kirkland's role as a soul artist was never more than minor. In the 70s, Eddie Kirkland returned to his blues roots, recording for Pete Lowery's Trix label, both solo and with small bands, and has since maintained a heavy touring schedule in the USA and in Europe. Fresh sounding material was issued on Lonely Street, although his vocals now leave a lot to be desired, he is playing with some younger musicians, who in turn are pushing him forward. Tab Benoit and Sonny Landreth are both featured. (afiwi.com)

Home → Overview → Blues Artists → Eddie Kirkland