Brenton Wood, the soulful singer known for his 1967 hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” has passed away at the age of 83. He died peacefully at his home in Moreno Valley, California, on January 3, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. His death was confirmed to be from natural causes.
Wood’s final words to his fans were a playful nod to his 1967 song and his last tour: “Catch you on the rebound.”
Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1941, relocated to San Pedro, California, as a child. He was heavily influenced by soul legends like Sam Cooke and Jesse Belvin. As a self-taught pianist, Wood gained prominence after signing with Double Shot Records in 1967, releasing several major hits, including “The Oogum Boogum Song,” which became a classic and reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He also enjoyed success with “Gimme Little Sign” and “Baby You Got It.” Over the years, these songs continued to gain popularity, being featured in movies and TV shows like The Umbrella Academy and Almost Famous. Wood later started his own record label, Prophesy Records, and maintained a career that spanned decades. In addition to his musical legacy, Wood was dedicated to community outreach, often performing at schools and inspiring youth with messages of empowerment and perseverance.