Eddie Kirkland, born on August 16, 1923, in Kingston, Jamaica, was a prominent American electric blues guitarist, harmonicist, singer, and songwriter. Known as the "Gypsy of the Blues" for his extensive touring, Kirkland's career spanned over six decades from 1949 until his death in 2011. Raised in Dothan, Alabama, he was influenced by the blues from an early age and was deeply inspired by Blind Blake.

Kirkland's musical journey began when he stowed away with the Sugar Girls Medicine Show at the age of 12. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, he moved to Detroit, where he worked at the Ford Rouge Plant by day and played guitar at house parties by night. It was in Detroit that he met John Lee Hooker, with whom he formed a significant musical partnership, playing and touring together from 1949 to 1962.

Kirkland developed a unique style of playing, using his thumb instead of a pick, which helped transition the delta blues into the electric age. He recorded for several labels, including RPM Records, Fortune Records, Volt Records, and King Records, sometimes under the stage name Eddie Kirk. His song "I Must Have Done Somebody Wrong" was notably appropriated by Elmore James and later performed by The Allman Brothers Band.

After parting ways with Hooker, Kirkland continued to build a successful solo career. He collaborated with various artists and bands, including Otis Redding and the British blues-rock band Foghat. Throughout his career, Kirkland recorded numerous albums and remained a vital figure in the blues scene, performing extensively across the United States and Europe.

Eddie Kirkland passed away on February 27, 2011, in Crystal River, Florida, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated and influential blues musician. His relentless passion for the blues and his dynamic performances earned him a lasting place in the history of American music.