By Mark Richmond
Staff Writer

Blues superstar Eddie Kirkland is performing both tonight and Saturday at the Knickerbocker Saloon. Hailed as a "king of blues" by some critics, Kirkland is bringing his 50 years of blues experience to the Lafayette music scene.

The 72-year-old Jamaican blues artist brings a surprisingly energetic and soulful style of blues. Nick Vukas, owner of the Knickerbocker Saloon, said he's excited to have Kirkland perform this weekend.

Vukas said, "He's been called the hardest working man in blues today. I remember seeing this guy during a wedding years back, and we had a really great time."

Kirkland's music has been described as intensive and slow, surging with an urgent and powerful voice. The style ranges from old-style blues to R&B and reggae.

Born Aug. 16, 1928, in Jamaica, Kirkland didn't develop his blues style until a late age. He made his first recordings in 1952 and toured with blues greats such as Otis Redding. Since then, Kirkland has developed his music and maintained his energetic style. Kirkland suffered several devastating personal setbacks during his career, however. In a recent press release, Kirkland stated: "It (taught) me how to suffer and keep going. I went through things with this music business that nobody should go through."

The artist was shot during one of his performances, and he also suffered a nearly fatal heart attack. But despite these events and his old age, Kirkland plays with a youthful vigor and soul.

Today, Kirkland is still on the cutting edge of blues music. His most recent album, "Movin' On," made the top 25 blues radio list for 1999.

• Kirkland will be performing at 10 tonight and Saturday night at the Knickerbocker Saloon in Lafayette for audiences 21 and older only.