Leroy Edward Kirkland (February 10, 1904 or 1906 – April 6, 1988) was an influential American arranger, bandleader, guitarist, and songwriter whose career spanned several major musical eras, including big band jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and soul. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Kirkland began his musical journey playing guitar in southern jazz bands during the 1920s. After serving in the army, he became an arranger and songwriter for Erskine Hawkins, a notable big band leader.

In the 1940s, Kirkland joined the orchestras of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, further honing his skills in arranging and conducting. By 1951, he had moved to New York, where he began arranging music for Savoy Records and later for OKeh and Mercury Records. Kirkland played a pivotal role in the careers of many R&B artists and worked on rock and roll shows with Alan Freed. His compositions, such as "Charleston Alley" and "Cloudburst," became popular among jazz musicians, recorded by artists like Count Basie and The Pointer Sisters.

Kirkland's contributions extended to the recordings of iconic musicians, including Etta James, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, The Righteous Brothers, The Supremes, and Brook Benton. He was instrumental in the success of "Our Day Will Come" by Ruby and the Romantics, a No. 1 hit in 1963. Additionally, he co-wrote the song "Something's Got a Hold on Me," first recorded by Etta James in 1962.

Leroy Kirkland passed away in New York City in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation and collaboration that influenced multiple genres and generations of musicians.