Iconic Pop-Soul, ‘Oogum Boogum’ Singer Brenton Wood Dies At 83
Beloved singer and iconic songwriter Brenton Wood, 83, died on Friday, his manager and assistant Manny Gallegos confirmed.
Wood was a trailblazer, who bent genres and is the definition of a true music entrepreneur. His cause of death has not been released.
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisana, Wood moved to San Pedro, California as a child, his biography on Spotify states. He was known for his smash hits like “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimmie Little Sign,” “Me and You,” and “Baby You Got It.” He performed until the very end and managed to entertain audiences for decades.
“In the ’50s he started. He was adored by fans. He always, always stayed until the end till the last person and he was such a loveable guy,” Gallegos said. “I was just so fortunate — me and my wife — to have been part of his legacy.”
According to Wood’s biography, he signed with Double Shot Records and had a hit single in 1967 with “The Oogum Boogum Song,” which made the R&B and pop charts. Throughout his career, other songs such as “Gimmie Little Sign,” further climbed the Billboard charts, propelling his status as an accomplished singer-songwriter.
“In the early days of R&B and Pop music, in order to make inroads into the sales charts, a group or performer generally needed a gimmick to gain attention,” his biography states. “For Brenton Wood, there was no gimmick necessary. He achieved singing success on the strength of his talent and singing ability.”
Brenton Wood Leaves Lasting Legacy, Especially In West Coast Music Scene
Wood gained massive popularity in California where he became a mainstay in the Latino music scene throughout the Southwest United States — especially in the car club and bike scene.
“After learning how to play piano, he began forming vocal groups, inspired by Sam Cooke and Jesse Belvin. One of these groups, Little Freddie & the Rockets, recorded a single in 1958. While he was studying at Compton College, he assumed the name Brenton Wood, naming himself after his home county,” his bio states.
Wood also gave back to the communities, especially the ones that adored and absorbed his music. He often performed at local schools and community outreach programs to help at-risk youth. He shared his own challenges and experiences with the youth, encouraging them to reach higher. The major pillars behind his outreach programs often included pro-education and “can do” messages of empowerment.
We will remember his contributions to music, songwriting and history.
