clap for the wolfman

“Clap for the Wolfman” is a song written by Burton Cummings, Bill Wallace, and Kurt Winter performed by their band, the Guess Who. The song appeared on their 1974 album, Road Food. The song was ranked #84 on Billboard magazine’s Top Hot 100 songs of 1974.

The song is an homage to Wolfman Jack, who is featured talking in his typical on-air DJ voice several times on the recording, including echoing Steve Miller‘s “pompatus of love” remark from his own contemporary hit The Joker. Wolfman Jack performed the song with the Guess Who in “The Midnight Special” and even in some live dates with the group. On other occasions Burton Cummings would impersonate Wolfman Jack’s voice.

“I don’t think you can ever do your best. Doing your best is a process of TRYING to do your best.” – Townes Van Zand