Wolfman Jack
Wolfman Jack, born Robert Weston Smith, was a prominent American radio personality known for his distinctive voice and dynamic on-air persona. Growing up in a challenging environment in Brooklyn, he found solace in music, eventually transforming his passion into a career in broadcasting. After training at the National Academy of Broadcasting, he began his journey in radio with significant roles aimed at African American audiences, where he built his reputation as a vibrant disc jockey. His breakthrough came in 1963 when he adopted the persona of Wolfman Jack while broadcasting from XERF in Mexico, reaching a wide audience across North America.
Throughout the 1970s, he became a cultural icon, producing the first syndicated rock-and-roll program and hosting the popular television show "Midnight Special." His appearance in the film "American Graffiti" further solidified his status in mainstream entertainment. Wolfman Jack's influence extended beyond entertainment; he played a vital role in integrating music by promoting African American artists during a time of racial segregation in media. He passed away in 1995, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire modern disc jockeys and music enthusiasts alike.
Subject Terms
Wolfman Jack
- Born: January 21, 1938
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
- Died: July 1, 1995
- Place of death: Belvidere, North Carolina
One of the most famous disc jockeys in the history of broadcasting. Through his trademark wolf howls, raspy voice, and unconventional style, Wolfman Jack became a spokesperson for rock and roll in the 1960’s.
Early Life
Born Robert Weston Smith, Wolfman Jack grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Despite a tough childhood and some juvenile delinquency, Smith’s love of music eventually got him off the streets and out of the gangs. As a teenager, he transformed an old coal bin into a mock studio where he played his radio and spun his records, imitating the daring disc jockeys of the 1950’s. Enterprising and persistent, Smith procured odd jobs at the Paramount Theater and at an African American-programmed radio station in New Jersey. After stints as a door-to-door salesperson peddling encyclopedias and Fuller brushes, Smith entered the National Academy of Broadcasting to pursue his dream of becoming a rhythm-and-blues disc jockey.
The 1960’s
Upon graduation in 1960, Smith secured a job with WYOU in Newport News, Virginia, a radio station that catered predominantly to African American audiences. Creating the character “Daddy Jules,” he delivered soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues in vibrant style. In 1961, Smith moved to KCIJ in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he played country music as “Big Smith with the Records,” a job that better supported his new family. His big break and first step on the road to stardom came in 1963 when he crossed the border into Mexico and joined the team of XERF radio. After a dramatic takeover involving bold financial scheming, Smith finally obtained the forum to display his alter ego, and Wolfman Jack was born. With XERF’s powerful 250,000-watt signal virtually blanketing North America, the Wolfman’s howls, guttural voice, and outlandish verbal antics could be heard by a legion of young followers as he promoted his beloved rhythm and blues and soulful rock and roll. In 1966, he moved his base of operations to Los Angeles.
Later Life
By 1972, Wolfman Jack had produced the first syndicated rock-and-roll program on the air, eventually broadcasting on twenty-two hundred stations in forty-three countries. In 1973, he played himself in the award-winning film American Graffiti, finally revealing the face that matched the voice and catapulting him from cult figure to mainstream celebrity. From 1973 to 1981, the Wolfman hosted the Midnight Special, a National Broadcasting Company (NBC) television program that featured live rock-and-roll performances. By 1995, he had amassed countless television and personal appearances, including a live show from Planet Hollywood in Washington, D.C. On July 1, 1995, Wolfman Jack died of a heart attack in his North Carolina home.
Impact
At a time when the airwaves were racially segregated, Wolfman Jack was instrumental in providing exposure to African American musicians, thus helping to integrate mainstream, popular music. With the powerful airwaves as his podium, he played a key role in shaping the musical climate of a generation. The Wolfman’s dynamic and daring approach to broadcasting has inspired subsequent disc jockeys to emulate his innovative style.
Additional Information
In 1995, Wolfman Jack, with coauthor Byron Laursen, published his autobiography, Have Mercy! Confessions of the Original Rock ’n’ Roll Animal.