Brenton Wood Soul Singer Behind The Oogum Boogum Song, Dies at 83 – Brenton Wood, the soulful voice behind the 1967 hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” passed away at 83. Wood died of natural causes at his home in Moreno Valley, California, his manager Manny Gallegos confirmed.
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood moved to California as a child. He adopted the stage name Brenton Wood, possibly inspired by the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood.
Wood’s breakthrough came in 1967 after signing with Double Shot Records. He released three singles that year that climbed the Billboard charts
- “The Oogum Boogum Song” – reached No. 19 on R&B charts
- “Gimme Little Sign” – peaked at No. 9 on the Hot 100
- “Baby You Got It” – hit No. 34
Interestingly, Wood initially disliked “The Oogum Boogum Song.” However, the catchy tune has endured, featuring in films like “Almost Famous” and TV shows such as “Don’t Worry Darling.”
Wood’s career spanned decades. He founded his own record labels, Prophesy Records and Mr. Wood Records. In 2024, he embarked on his farewell tour, aptly named “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour,” referencing another of his 1967 hits.
Gallegos shared Wood’s final message to his fans: “Catch you on the rebound.” This phrase, like his music, captures Wood’s enduring spirit and the lasting impact of his soulful sounds on generations of listeners.
Wood’s passing marks the end of an era in soul music, but his legacy lives on through his timeless hits and the countless artists he inspired.
Also Read – Trumps Influence Secures Johnsons Speakership in Nail-Biting Vote
