On this episode of Everything American singer-songwriter Peter Wolf joins host Ken Womack to discuss Wolf’s life in music and his earliest musical influences.

A native of the Bronx, Wolf spent his youth soaking up New York City’s music scene, especially the Apollo Theater’s array of soul, rhythm & blues, and gospel performers. After moving to Boston, he attended Tufts University’s Museum of Fine Arts. During this period, he formed his first band, The Hallucinations, which performed in area clubs. 

In 1967, Wolf and drummer Stephen Jo Bladd joined the J. Geils Band, which had recently formed in Worcester. During the 1970s, the group notched several Top 40 singles, including a cover of the Valentinos’ “Lookin’ for a Love” and the singles “Give It to Me,” “Must of Got Lost,” and “Come Back.” By this point, Wolf had emerged as the band’s principal songwriter. With “Love Stinks,” the J. Geils Band enjoyed breakthrough success, followed by the megahits “Centerfold” and “Freeze-Frame.” 

In 1983, Wolf and the J. Geils Band parted ways after the singer expressed his interest in returning to the band’s rock ‘n’ roll roots. As a solo artist, he notched several hits, including “Lights Out” and “Come as You Are.” The latter song was featured in Rob Reiner’s acclaimed film The Sure Thing. 

Wolf continues to enjoy accolades for his solo career. His 2002 album Sleepless featured guest performances by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and was feted by Rolling Stone as one the 500 Greatest Albums of all time. His 2010 album Midnight Souvenirs earned Album of the Year honors at the Boston Music Awards and featured duets with Shelby Lynne, Neko Case, and Merle Haggard. Wolf recently published his memoirs. Entitled Waiting on the Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters, and Goddesses, the book traces Wolf’s six-decade career in a series of unforgettable vignettes.