RIP Legend Brenton Wood, 83, Singer of “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign”
RIP R&B Legend Brenton Wood, 83, Singer of “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign”
So sad to hear that R&B legend Brenton Wood has died. He was 83.
Brenton Wood lays claim to two of the biggest hits of all time: "The Oogum Boogum Song," and "Gimme Little Sign."
He had other R&B hits in the 60s, but these two became cult hits and never went away. "The Oogum Boogum Song," which caught on fast, has been heard in hundreds of commercials, TV shows, and movies. It really developed a life of its own.
"Gimme Little Sign" features Wood's signature staccato approach to vocals, making it endlessly memorable.
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, LA, the singer grew up in San Pedro, California, and fell under the spell of singers like Sam Cooke, Sam Moore, and other trademark soul singers. Some stories say he got the name "Brenton Wood" from Brentwood, California. But you can see below the label for "Oogum Boogum" named him Brenton Woods, with an s.
"Oogum" was issued on the small Hollywood label known as Double Shot. "Gimme" appeared on Liberty Records. How these records found their way onto the radio is anybody's guess. Wood never received the promotion that other R&B stars received, and his moment in the sun was over quickly. But the music endured.
Legend Brenton Wood’s Life story :
Born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood's family moved to San Pedro, California, during his childhood. He became interested in music at an early age, listening to the likes of Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke. Using the stage name Brenton Wood, which was probably inspired by the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood, he developed into a pianist and songwriter.
By 1967, though, when Wood's "The Oogum Boogum Song" reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, and two months later "Gimme Little Sign" ascended to No. 9 on the same chart and sold over a million copies for the gold disc, this and other tracks by him would be rendered classic of the buoyant R&B style and his characteristic staccato delivery.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Wood was devoted to community service. He regularly performed at schools and outreach events for at-risk youth throughout Southern California. He shared his personal and professional experiences, underlining the importance of education and empowerment.
In 2024, Wood did a farewell tour, "Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour," which wrapped up on the last weekend in February. Two weeks later, he was admitted to the hospital in May of 2024, where he peacefully fell asleep and died, surrounded by those close to him. His manager, Manny Gallegos, revealed his final statement to the public: "Catch you on the rebound."
The songs of Brenton Wood continue to resonate, his timeless hits now being featured in films and television shows, keeping his legacy going for generations yet to come.
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