The Midnight Special's electric lineup reflected the show's commitment not only to rock, but also to mirroring the Top 40 melting pot of the 70s, including genres such as folk, blues, R&B, soul, country and pop. For much of the run, the show was presided over by the legendary, gravelly-voiced DJ Wolfman Jack (Brooklyn-born Bob Smith), who was recruited as a permanent announcer and made his debut in Episode 2; he would go on to become the living symbol of the show and a powerful draw for performers who were more than happy to share the stage with him. A variety of guest hosts appeared along with Wolfman Jack over the years including such '70s music icons as the Bee Gees, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Loggins and Messina, Richard Pryor, The O'Jays, Electric Light Orchestra, KC & the Sunshine Band, plus frequent host Helen Reddy. Viewers and members of the studio audience were treated to one-of-a-kind concert events direct from The Midnight Special stages featuring anyone from Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Bee Gees and Earth, Wind & Fire to Electric Light Orchestra, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Jim Croce or John Denver, performing their biggest hits live. Additionally, The Midnight Special featured the day's top comedic talents, such as Richard Pryor, Bylly Crystal, George Carlin, Andy Kaufman, Steve Martin, and Freddie Prinze, among many others.
A "must-have" for fans of '70s music and '70s pop culture, THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S EDITION, priced to add every music lover's home entertainment collection at $99.95, features eight discs of 130 incredible live performances from the era's greatest stars (carefully selected from 423 complete shows), one disc of comedy performances and two discs of specially-produced, exclusive bonus programming, including interviews with Peter Frampton, Alice Cooper, Loggins & Messina, Eddie Money, George Benson, Charlie Daniels, Todd Rundgren, Helen Reddy, Neil Sedaka, creator Burt Sugarman and many more; as well as 12 featurettes, including "The History of The Midnight Special," "Wolfman at Midnight," "Star-Studded Stage Fashion," "No Safety Net: Live on TV," "I am Woman: Helen Reddy as Host," "Benson& Frampton Talk Shop," "The Making of The Midnight Speical," "The Legacy of The Midnight Special," a Burt Sugarman featurette and more. Additionally, the collector's set includes a 32-page, ful-color booklet with an intro from Burt Sugarman, artist photos, liner notes and more.
