Brenton Wood, ‘Oogum Boogum Song’ Singer, Dies at 83
Soul Singer Brenton Wood, Known for ‘The Oogum Boogum Song,’ Dies at 83
Moreno Valley, CA – Brenton Wood, the soulful singer best known for his infectious 1967 hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” has died at the age of 83. Wood’s manager, Manny Gallegos, confirmed the news, stating that the singer passed away peacefully at his home in Moreno Valley, California.
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, wood’s musical journey began in the vibrant los Angeles neighborhood of San Pedro. After attending Compton High school and Compton College, he discovered his passion for music, honing his skills as both a singer and pianist.
Wood’s career took off with “The Oogum Boogum Song,” a catchy tune that climbed to No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts and became a staple in American pop culture. The song’s enduring popularity saw it featured in films like “Almost famous” and “Don’t Worry darling,” and also the hit Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy.”
Beyond his signature hit, Wood’s musical repertoire showcased his versatility. He paid homage to soul legend Sam Cooke with a powerful rendition of “A Change Is Gonna Come,” demonstrating his deep respect for the genre’s roots.
A true entrepreneur, Wood founded his own record label, Prophesy records, in 1972. He continued to release music independently through his label, Mr.Wood Records, for nearly five decades, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft.
In early 2024, Wood embarked on his final tour, aptly titled “Catch You on the Rebound,” a nod to his 1967 song of the same name. Sadly, the tour was cut short in May due to Wood’s hospitalization.brenton Wood leaves behind a legacy of soulful melodies and infectious rhythms that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.His music will forever be a testament to his talent, passion, and enduring impact on the American music scene.
Remembering Brenton Wood: A Soulful Farewell
David Chen: Hi Lisa, did you hear the sad news about Brenton Wood? He passed away.
lisa Martinez: Brenton Wood? Oh, wow, I know that name! He’s the one who sings “The Oogum Boogum Song,” right? I loved that song way back when I was a kid. So catchy!
David: Exactly! That’s his signature song,and it really put him on the map. He was just 83. [3]
Lisa: That’s so young. What else did he do besides that big hit?
David: Well, “The Oogum Boogum Song” was his biggest success, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts [3]).But he had a bunch of other songs too, like “Gimme Little Sign,” which was popular around the same time. And he did some really cool covers, like a fantastic version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
Lisa: Wow, I never knew. Did he keep making music?
David: yeah, he was really dedicated to his music. he even started his own record label called Prophesy Records back in 1972! [3] And then he kept releasing music through his own label, Mr.Wood Records, for decades. He was a true entrepreneur and never stopped pursuing his passion.
Lisa: that’s amazing! it’s so inspiring to see someone so devoted to their craft.
David: Totally! And you’re right, he was such a positive force in the music world. Even his final tour, which sadly had to be cut short, was called “catch You on the Rebound,” after one of his songs. [3] Such a hopeful and upbeat spirit.
Lisa: Brenton Wood will be missed. His music brought so much joy to people.
david: Definitely, Lisa.