Brenton Wood, the beloved soul singer and songwriter best known for his 1967 hit single "The Oogum Boogum Song," has passed away at the age of 83. His manager and publicist, Manny Gallegos, confirmed the news, stating Wood died early Friday morning at his home in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by friends and family.
The cause of Wood's death remains unclear at this time, though Gallegos suggested it was "just his old age." Born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood's musical career took root when he moved to San Pedro, California, where he began singing and playing the piano at an early age.
Wood initially signed with Brent Records and later Wand Records without achieving commercial success. His breakthrough came after he joined Double Shot Records, leading to the creation of the catchy "Oogum Boogum Song." The track, characterized by its sweet falsetto and infectious piano hook, peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts and reached the Top 10 on L.A.'s leading KHJ-AM station during the Summer of Love.
Following the success of "The Oogum Boogum Song," Wood released another iconic hit, "Gimme Little Sign," which climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics, especially the memorable chorus line, "just gimme some kind of sign, girl," captured the attention of music lovers and helped cement Wood as one of the notable voices of the 1960s. The song even earned him recognition on the UK singles chart, where it peaked at No. 8 following Wood's performance on the popular show Top of the Pops.
Although "Gimme Little Sign" represented the pinnacle of Wood's commercial success, he continued to release music throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. His single "Baby You Got It" reached the Billboard Top 40, and his albums included the sole charting project titled Oogum Boogum, which peaked at No. 187. Wood also enjoyed minor successes with singles such as "Some Got It, Some Don't" and "Lovey Dovey Kinda Lovin'" but never regained the main spotlight.
Despite this, Wood's enduring influence on the music industry has remained substantial. His songs have made appearances across numerous films and television series, from cult classics like Almost Famous to contemporary hits like The Umbrella Academy and Don't Worry Darling. His music continues to resonate with fans, spanning generations, bringing his soul-driven sound to new audiences.
Resilient throughout his career, Wood even formed his own label, Prophesy Records, and later continued to release music under his label Mr. Wood Records. Just recently, he announced his final tour called "Catch You on the Rebound," named after his song from 1967. Though the tour was interrupted after Wood was hospitalized earlier this year, he still managed to perform for his avid fans who had supported him for over six decades.
Reflecting on the day of his death, it was reported by Gallegos, “He may not be here for long.” These were some of Wood's last words before he went to sleep and left the world, leaving behind not only his legacy as one of the most memorable voices of his time but also a treasure trove of soulful classics.
Condolences have poured in from far and wide, as discussions surrounding his musical legacy and impact on the genre are currently trending on social media. Wood's name is remembered not just for his catchy tunes but for the souls he touched through his music.
While details about survivors or memorial services remain scarce, Brenton Wood's artistry and vibrant spirit will continue to echo through the waves of nostalgia and appreciation for generations to come.