Brenton wood, Legendary soul singer Wood, whose true name was Alfred Jesse Smith, died at the age of 83 from natural causes at his home in Moreno Valley, California, according to his manager Manny Gallegos. Wood was best known for his timeless song, “The Oogum Boogum Song.”
Who Was Brenton Wood?
On July 26, 1941, Brenton Wood was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. When he was growing up, his family moved to San Pedro, which is on the coast of Los Angeles. After graduating from Compton High School, he enrolled at East Los Angeles College to further develop his musical skills.
Inspired by the Los Angeles area of Brentwood, Wood took on his stage moniker in the early 1960s. His lively, soulful tone, which appealed to all ages, would soon be associated with this moniker.
Brenton Wood’s Rise to Fame
After signing with Double Shot Records in 1967, Wood began a year of extraordinary success. Three of his best-known songs were released in that year:
- The Oogum Boogum Song” – Reaching Number 19 on the Billboard R&B charts, this track cemented Wood’s reputation as a soulful innovator.
- “Gimme Little Sign” – A crossover sensation that climbed to Number Nine on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Baby You Got It” – Peaking at Number 34, showcasing his unique vocal style and charm.
In a previous interview with LAist, Wood discussed his initial hesitation to record “The Oogum Boogum Song.” He clarified, “It was [like] ‘Abracadabra,’ casting a spell on me,” and mentioned that he worked on the song for six weeks before releasing it.
The Legacy of ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’
The Oogum Boogum Song is still a timeless classic, appearing in classic TV series and movies like Don’t Worry Darling and Almost Famous. Fans quickly fell in love with the song because of Wood’s contagious enthusiasm and distinctive sense of humor.
Wood once said, “I was laughing all the way through,” “I thought, boy, this is gonna be catchy.
” The song’s infectious rhythm and lighthearted lyrics are what make it so appealing to new listeners even now.
His Later Career and Final Tour
With the founding of Prophesy Records in 1972, Wood was able to keep creative control over his songs. Under Mr. Wood Records, his second label, he continued to produce and release new music over the years.
Following another 1967 success, Brenton Wood’s last tour, appropriately dubbed Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour, began in 2024. His final attempt to engage with his followers and leave them with recollections of his iconic performances was this farewell tour.
In his parting farewell to the supporters, Wood’s manager said, “Catch you on the rebound.”
Remembering Brenton Wood
Beyond his number-one singles, Brenton Wood has made significant contributions to music. By introducing a distinctive sound that combined pop, R&B, and soul, he broke down barriers. Around the world, his music still inspires musicians and delights listeners.
See Variety’s tribute to Brenton Wood for further information on his life and legacy.
External Links
- Learn more about Brenton Wood’s discography on AllMusic.
- Explore his influence on the soul music genre on Rolling Stone.