Wolfman Jack, born Robert Weston Smith on January 21, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, was a legendary American radio disc jockey whose gravelly voice and wild persona made him a cultural icon. He rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, broadcasting from powerful Mexican “border blaster” stations like XERF and XERB, which allowed his signal to reach much of the United States and beyond. His high-energy shows, filled with rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and his signature howls, captivated listeners and helped define the rebellious spirit of the era.
Smith started in radio in the 1950s, working at stations in Virginia and Louisiana. He adopted the “Wolfman Jack” persona in the early 1960s while at XERF in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, inspired by his love for R&B and the mystique of a howling DJ.
Known for his raspy voice, wild ad-libs, and catchphrases like “Aww, clamp it, baby!”, Wolfman Jack blended music with a larger-than-life character. He played a mix of rock, soul, and blues, introducing many listeners to Black artists and helping bridge racial divides in music.
His appearance in the 1973 film American Graffiti, directed by George Lucas, brought him mainstream recognition. He played himself, broadcasting from a mysterious radio station, cementing his image as a counterculture figure. The film’s success led to wider exposure.
Wolfman hosted The Midnight Special TV show, appeared in films like Motel Hell (1980), and continued radio work, including a stint with WNBC in New York. He also voiced himself in cartoons and commercials, capitalizing on his distinctive persona.
Married to Lucy “Lou” Lamb, he had two children. Despite his wild on-air persona, he was known off-air as a warm, professional family man.
Wolfman Jack died of a heart attack on July 1, 1995, in Belvidere, North Carolina, shortly after a broadcast. He was 57.
Wolfman Jack’s influence endures in radio history and pop culture. He pioneered the idea of the DJ as a personality, inspiring countless broadcasters. His role in American Graffiti and his eclectic playlists helped preserve the spirit of early rock ‘n’ roll. In 1996, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, and his autobiography, Have Mercy!: Confessions of the Original Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal, was published posthumously in 1995.
