Soul singer Brenton Wood, best known for his hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” passed away at the age of 83 at his residence in Moreno Valley, California, on January 3. Surrounded by loved ones, Wood peacefully departed in his sleep due to natural causes, as confirmed by his manager and publicist, Manny Gallegos, to various media outlets including Entertainment Weekly, the New York Post, and TMZ. Wood’s manager recounted the artist’s final moments, sharing that Wood’s last words to his fans were, “Catch you on the rebound,” a nod to his iconic 1967 song and final tour.
Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, later settled in San Pedro, California, during the 1950s. Influenced by musicians like Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, Wood delved into songwriting and piano playing from a young age. It wasn’t until his college years that he adopted the stage name Brenton Wood, drawing inspiration from the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Securing a contract with Double Shot Records in 1967, he went on to release several chart-topping tracks, including “Gimme Little Sign” and “Baby You Got It,” alongside his signature “The Oogum Boogum Song.”
Wood’s music, notably “The Oogum Boogum Song,” experienced a resurgence in recent times, featuring in various television shows and films such as “Don’t Worry Darling,” “The Umbrella Academy,” and “Almost Famous.” Throughout his career, Wood produced nine studio albums and multiple compilations, establishing his label, Prophesy Records, in 1972, followed by Mr. Wood Records.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Wood was committed to giving back to his community. He frequently engaged in performances at local schools and outreach programs for at-risk youth, sharing his personal experiences of overcoming challenges and successes in life while promoting a message of empowerment and resilience.
Wood’s health began to decline after completing a tour over Valentine’s Day weekend in 2024, leading to hospitalization in May of the same year. His legacy as a soul music icon, marked by timeless hits and a dedication to community service, will endure in the hearts of his fans and the music industry at large.
Brenton Wood’s contributions to music and philanthropy have left an indelible mark, reminding us of the power of artistry and compassion in creating a lasting impact on society.
