Brenton Wood, Singer of The Oogum Boogum Song, Dies Peacefully at 83

Beloved 1967 Hitmaker Dies Peacefully in His Sleep

Brenton Wood, widely recognized for his 1967 hit The Oogum Boogum Song, passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Moreno Valley, California on Friday, January 3.

Brenton Wood, the classic soul singer behind hits “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign,” died at the age of 83.

According to his manager, Wood’s final words to his fans were, “Catch you on the rebound,” a reference to his 1967 song. https://t.co/zmYen6Avn2

— Variety (@Variety) January 4, 2025

This phrase carried special meaning for Brenton, as it was the name of both his 1967 song and his final tour, which concluded on Valentine’s Day 2024.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Birth Name: Alfred Jesse Smith

Born: July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana

Raised: San Pedro, California

Inspired by Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, Brenton learned piano and performed in local R&B groups, including Little Freddie and the Rockets.

"Brenton Wood," a nod to the upscale Brentwood neighborhood in Los Angeles.

Career Highlights

Breakthrough Hit: The Oogum Boogum Song (1967).

Other notable songs:

·        Gimme Little Sign (No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100, 1967)

·        Baby You Got It (No. 34 on Billboard Hot 100, 1967)

·        Come Softly to Me (No. 97 on Billboard R&B tally, 1978)

Brenton founded two record labels: Prophesy Records and Mr. Wood Records.

Legacy

Brenton’s soulful music and distinctive style left a lasting impact on the music industry, particularly among soul and R&B enthusiasts.