Sitting quietly, waiting to be interviewed on "Studio 102," Tokyo's version of "Good Morning America," Wolfman Jack was more interested in scenes of violence in Iran being shown on a nearby television monitor.

"Do you think they'll get this thing settled?" he asked, softly. "I sure hope they do. All that fighting is just too much."

The fact he would soon appear before millions of television viewers didn't seem to bother him at all. But then to a guy who appears or is heard by millions every week on television and radio, it was just another television appearance.

When he was called, he did his hellfire and brimstone act: "Get down and put your hand on the television, Baaaabbbeeee!" He rolled his hazel eyes for the cameras and ended the interview with a wolf's howl. He did what he is famous for and did it well.

That concluded his five days of promotional work in Japan, which included 37 hours of radio interviews and spot announcements.

On the way to his hotel to pack, the Wolfman talked of his work, his family, his audience and his life in a subdued voice, totally unlike the voice heard in 42 countries.

"You see man, you do the Wolfman act so long, you actually become the character," 'he said. "People expect it of me. It's good to drop out once in a while and just be me.".

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. 39 years ago, Wolfman Jack is a product of early rock and roll. He grew up listening to Alan "Moondog" Freed, Little Richard and Elvis. Somewhere during that time, Robert W. Smith, the name he was born with, died and the Wolfman emerged.

"I knew when I was 12 years old that I wanted to be a disc jockey," he said. "I used to practice with two turntables, bang cowbells, pound books and yell in imitation of Freed."

Starting in 1958 at WYOU in Norfolk, Va., as "Daddy Sewels," the Wolfman has worked at radio stations throughout the United States.

Ironically, it was in Mexico that Wolf man Jack gained notoriety.

"I was working at XERF in Acuna, Mexico, just across the border from Del Rio, Tex.," the Wolfman said. "We were putting out 250,000 watts, compared to the normal peak of 150,000 in the United States. At night, we could be heard from California to New York. We even got word that we could be heard in Moscow."

It wasn't until 1973, when he portrayed himself in the movie "American Graffiti," that Wolfman became a face rather than just a voice to the American public.

"The role helped make me visible, but then the movie did a lot for everyone in it."

Since then, the Wolfman has starred in his own "Wolfman Jack Show," still shown on television stations throughout the Far East. He emcees "Midnight Special," now entering its seventh year, and he will make hundreds of public appearances as president of Easter Seal Discothons.

Being on the road for more than half the year doesn't leave much time for family life.

"Whatever he's happy doing, then I'm happy," said Lou, his pretty blonde wife of 19 years. "We have a give and take relationship."

Of their two children, Joy, 17, and Tod, 15, she said, "They handle who their father is pretty well. Until about five years ago, they didn't seem to be aware of anything different about him.

"I'm pretty proud of the way they handle any pressure put on them."

While there have been numerous articles written about him and a Top 40 record, "Clap for the Wolfman" by the Guess Who, Wolfman Jack doesn't consider himself a legend.

"It takes a lot of work to be a legend," he said. "I just want to please my audience and make them happy."

There was a time in recent years when his audience wasn't happy and neither was he.

"I'll have to admit the Vietnam War years weren't happy ones for me. All those guys were dying over there and bummer things were also happening in the States. The music was political and depressing."

That's all the more reason why he's happy about the disco sound that has swept the United States and spread to other countries.

"People are dressing up again. They're going out and spending money to have a good time. It's like the old days of Little Richard's 'Tutti Frutti' and Elvis' 'Jailhouse Rock.' "

The current sound may also be the basis for a situation comedy series Wolfman's television production company is working on.

"It's actually a combination of 'Happy Days' and disco music updated to 1979. Right now it's in the works, and I'll just have to wait and see."

While he's waiting and seeing, the Wolfman keeps, busy by promoting a movie, "Hanging on a Star," in which he plays the part of a disc jockey who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress.

He also tapes five, 1-hour shows each week for the American Forces Radio and. Television Service, hosts "Midnight Special," and makes guest appearances on "Hollywood Squares."

During February, the Wolf man is booked for all but three days. He hopes to spend his free time with Wolfwoman, the name he calls Lou, and the kids.

In the lobby of his hotel, the Wolf man reminded me to call the Far East Network and tell everyone he thinks they are doing a great job.

He added an apology for his not being able to visit their studios.

"You be sure and let them know the Wolfman is thinking of them. They're some of the greatest people in the world."

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