Legendary soul singer Brenton Wood, renowned for hits like "The Oogum Boogum Song" and "Gimme Little Sign," has passed away at the age of 83. His family confirmed the news, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans and highlighting Wood's deep appreciation for his supporters.
Wood's family shared that after his initial success, the record label retained most of the profits, leaving him with little more than his stage name. They emphasized how much the continued recognition of his name meant to him. "The Oogum Boogum Song" marked Wood's entry into the music scene in 1967, achieving significant chart success. His follow-up, "Gimme Little Sign," further solidified his position in the industry, reaching the top 10 on the pop charts.
Wood's family described his songwriting as deeply personal, transcending conventional musical and ethnic classifications. They also noted his pride in his artistic evolution during the 80s and 90s, a period that cemented his status as a key figure in the "oldies but goodies" resurgence.
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood relocated with his family to San Pedro, California, during his childhood and later settled in Compton. He frequently acknowledged the role his dedicated local fan base played in his enduring success, particularly in Southern California and the West Coast, and valued connecting with them through local performances.
In 2024, Wood launched his farewell tour, "Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour," a nod to his 1967 hit. The tour was temporarily suspended in May due to Wood's hospitalization. According to Wood's manager, Manny Gallegos, the singer passed away from natural causes at his Moreno Valley home, surrounded by loved ones. His final words were reportedly, "Catch you on the rebound."
Reflecting on his musical journey, Wood recently remarked that it was "all about memories." His family expressed their hope that he gifted his fans with as many cherished memories as he gave them.
