‘The Midnight Special’ and Wolfman Jack
A look at the music variety show as a late-night trendsetter
The groundbreaking music variety show ran for nine years, from 1972 to 1981, with some of the decade’s top musicians and comedians. Carolyn Bower recalls “The Midnight Special” and Wolfman Jack, the show’s main host.
Fifty years ago, music fans were tuned in to a late-night collection of pop, rock, folk, R&B, and country hits. “The Midnight Special” aired on NBC after the Johnny Carson show on Friday nights from 12:30 to 2 a.m. The show, created by TV and film producer Burt Sugarman, ran from 1972 to 1981 and featured live performances, which was rare at the time, as many shows involved lip-syncing. “The Midnight Special” theme song was sung by singer-songwriter Johnny Rivers, and the show’s announcer and frequent guest host was Robert Smith, aka Wolfman Jack.
As a DJ, Smith got his training at the National Academy of Broadcasting. The Wolfman Jack persona came from his love of horror films and the hip lingo of the time, such as “hit the road, Jack.” In addition to hosting the late-night music show, he also had a radio show and did infomercials selling rock and roll music collections. At one time, he was heard on more than 2,000 radio stations in over 50 countries. He also made over 75 TV and film appearances.
His presence and popularity increased when he appeared in the movie “American Graffiti” in 1973.
A larger-than-life character with his goatee, mustache, and howling, gravelly voice, Wolfman Jack added spice and sass to the variety show. His energy, charm and unique personality created a nostalgic atmosphere that captivated “Midnight Special” audiences.
Among the many musicians who performed their chart-topping hits on the show were Loretta Lynn, Marty Robbins, Lou Rawls, The Pointer Sisters, Lesley Gore, Lou Christie, Gordon Lightfoot and the Bee Gees. The show also featured popular comedians George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Steve Martin, and comedy skits were routinely included.
Wolfman Jack inspired many future disc jockeys, and his contribution to promoting various music genres is remembered fondly today. He released an autobiography, “Have Mercy: Confessions of the Original Rock ‘N’ Roll Animal,” in 1995, just days before his untimely death from a heart attack at age 57.
Wolfman Jack and “The Midnight Special” were a groundbreaking team in the 1970s, as the three major networks at that time did not have programming after 1 a.m. The show proved there was an audience for late-night music and variety entertainment.
Five decades later, music fans can still enjoy “The Midnight Special” TV show. In 2014, an 11 DVD compilation was released by Star-Vista. Music enthusiasts can also revisit the memories of Wolfman Jack and live performances of their favorite musicians, by watching episodes on You Tube. It’s definitely a cherished and nostalgic trip down memory lane.
“The Midnight Special” and Wolfman Jack was submitted by Carolyn Bower. Read other contributions from Boomer readers in our
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