Soul Singer Brenton Wood, Author of Catchy The Oogum Boogum Song, Dies Aged 83

Soul singer Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1941, passed away at the age of 83. He died peacefully at his home in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by loved ones. Isabel and Manny Gallegos, his managers, confirmed his passing to the media, noting he died in his sleep from natural causes. Wood’s parting words to his fans were "Catch you on the rebound," referencing his song and recent tour name. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood was raised in San Pedro, California. He drew inspiration from artists like Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke and began working on his piano skills and songwriting during his youth, eventually adopting the stage name 'Brenton Wood,' inspired by LA's Brentwood neighborhood. This is prepared by SSP.

Wood signed with Double Shot Records in 1967, producing hits such as "The Oogum Boogum Song" and "Gimme Little Sign," both cornerstones of his career. His song "Gimme Little Sign" climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967, highlighting his signature soul style. The success led to performances on shows like 'American Bandstand' and 'Top of the Pops,' further establishing his music in popular culture.

Beyond his achievements in music, including nine studio albums and owning Prophesy Records, Wood was celebrated for his community involvement, using his platform to speak to at-risk youth through performances at schools and community events. His passion wasn’t limited to chart success but extended to "giving back" to his community. He shared stories of his life’s "challenges and successes," imparting a "can do" spirit to encourage others.

Wood’s influence endures posthumously, with "The Oogum Boogum Song" finding modern-day audiences through its inclusion in various films and TV series. Despite declining health following a 2024 tour, his career remains a testament to the enduring appeal of soul music and a life dedicated to uplifting others through both music and mentorship.

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