The Broadcasts That Rocked America
XERF, located in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, just across the border from Del Rio, Texas, was the legendary station where Wolfman Jack made his mark. Operating with a massive 50,000-watt transmitter, XERF's signal could be heard across much of North America, from Canada to the Caribbean.
The station's location just across the Mexican border allowed it to bypass FCC regulations, broadcasting at power levels impossible for American stations. This "border blaster" setup made XERF the perfect home for the Wolfman's wild, unfiltered style of radio.
From 1963 to 1966, Wolfman Jack broadcast from XERF, playing rock & roll records and entertaining millions with his manic energy, signature howls, and infectious laughter. Teenagers across America would tune in late at night, volume turned up, to hear the Wolfman howl at the moon.
Broadcasting from the border, Wolfman Jack's midnight show became legendary. Starting at midnight and running into the early hours, this was when the Wolfman truly came alive, playing the hardest rock & roll and engaging in his trademark wild banter with listeners.
Years: 1963-1966
Station: XERF
Time: Midnight - 4 AM
After leaving XERF, Wolfman Jack launched his nationally syndicated show. This program brought his unique style to stations across America, making him a household name and cementing his status as a radio icon.
Years: 1973-1995
Type: Nationally Syndicated
Reach: Millions of listeners
A weekend celebration of rock & roll music, featuring classic hits, listener requests, and the Wolfman's legendary storytelling. This show became a staple for rock & roll fans across the country.
Years: 1970s-1980s
Type: Weekend Special
Format: Classic Rock
The legendary border blaster where it all began. 50,000 watts of pure rock & roll power blasting across North America. This was Wolfman Jack's home from 1963 to 1966, and where he developed his signature style.
After his border blaster days, Wolfman Jack brought his show to KRLA, one of Los Angeles's top rock stations. This move brought him to a major market and expanded his audience significantly.
The Wolfman conquered the Big Apple with his show on WNBC. Broadcasting from the heart of Manhattan, he reached millions of listeners in the nation's largest media market.
Wolfman Jack's show became nationally syndicated in 1973, airing on hundreds of stations across the United States. This syndication made him one of the most recognizable voices in American radio.
What made Wolfman Jack so special wasn't just the music he played—it was how he presented it. His broadcasts were a complete entertainment experience, filled with personality, energy, and a genuine love for rock & roll.
His signature wolf howl became instantly recognizable, signaling that the Wolfman was on the air.
An infectious, gravelly laugh that seemed to embody the spirit of rock & roll itself.
A deep, raspy voice that commanded attention and made every word feel important.
Curated selections of the best rock & roll, always played with passion and enthusiasm.
While we can't play actual audio clips here, these were some of Wolfman Jack's most famous moments
Every night at midnight, Wolfman Jack would let out his signature howl, welcoming listeners to another night of rock & roll. It became a ritual for millions of teenagers across America.
Wolfman Jack was famous for taking calls from listeners, often engaging in hilarious conversations and giving shout-outs to fans tuning in from across the country.
Each record got the Wolfman treatment—dramatic introductions, enthusiastic commentary, and genuine excitement about the music. He made every song feel like an event.
His infectious laugh became as famous as his howl. It conveyed pure joy and enthusiasm, making listeners feel like they were part of something special.
I don't play records. I create an atmosphere. When you listen to my show, you're not just hearing music—you're experiencing rock & roll.— Wolfman Jack