Brenton Wood, Soul Legend, Passes Away at 83
Brenton Wood, the iconic soul singer known for hits like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign”, passed away at the age of 83. His manager, Manny Gallegos, confirmed the news to Variety, stating that Wood died of natural causes at his home in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by family. Gallegos also shared that Wood’s final words to his fans were, “Catch you on the rebound,” referring to his 1967 hit song.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood moved to San Pedro, California, with his family at the age of 3. He later attended Compton College, where he started exploring his passion for music. Inspired by legends like Sam Cooke and Jesse Belvin, Wood chose his stage name, Brenton Wood, taken from the wealthy Brentwood area of Los Angeles. He began writing songs and learning the piano, and soon pursued a solo career.
Rise to Fame: The 1960s Hits
Wood’s big break came in 1967 when he signed with Double Shot Records. That year, he released “The Oogum Boogum Song”, which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts. Later that year, his follow-up hit, “Gimme Little Sign”, soared to No. 9 on the pop charts. These songs made him a household name, and he was seen as a rising star in the music industry.
Later Career and Founding His Own Label
In 1972, Wood launched his own record label, Prophesy Records, though his later releases did not achieve the same level of commercial success. Despite this, he remained an active performer, finding a loyal fan base through live shows. He continued to release music under Mr. Wood Records.
Farewell Tour and Continued Popularity
Earlier this year, Brenton Wood began his farewell tour, Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour. Unfortunately, the tour was cut short after Wood was hospitalized. However, his music remained popular, with songs like “The Oogum Boogum Song” appearing in several films and TV shows, including The Umbrella Academy, Almost Famous, and Don’t Worry Darling. His track “Great Big Bundle of Love” was also featured in Big Little Lies.
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Impact on Latino Communities
Wood’s music resonated deeply with Latino communities, especially in Southern California and Mexico. While his commercial success in the mainstream waned after his initial hits, he found a new and lasting fan base among Latino audiences. He often performed at weddings, quinceañeras, and other celebrations, and played alongside Chicano musical groups like Los Lobos, Thee Midniters, and Ozomatli.
Bob Merlis, a former Warner Bros. Records executive, called Wood a “local hero” in Los Angeles, noting his significant influence on the Southern California soul scene. Wood himself said in 1992, “They’ve kind of picked me out of the whole batch, and they keep me going. If I was waiting for the big boys to call, I’d have died a long time ago.”
The Making of “The Oogum Boogum Song”
Wood’s most famous hit, “The Oogum Boogum Song”, was born out of an accident. While working the graveyard shift at Harvey Aluminum in Torrance, Wood came up with the melody for the song. He spent six weeks perfecting it, changing verses repeatedly. The track, which reflected the fashion trends of the 1960s, eventually became a surprise hit and was featured in films like Almost Famous and Don’t Worry Darling.
Wood’s Legacy and Influence
Despite not being born in California, Wood became a key figure in the state’s musical culture, especially within Latino communities. By the early 1970s, he had founded Mr. Wood Records and produced music that would become beloved by fans for generations. His romantic ballads, often played at family gatherings and parties, became a soundtrack for many.
Gene Aguilera, a Chicano music historian, remembers listening to Wood’s songs like “Gimme Little Sign” alongside other major hits of the time. His music was often heard at local parties and on the radios of lowriders cruising down Whittier Boulevard. Aguilera said, “Even though he wasn’t born here, he’s just forever going to be etched in our consciousness.”
Wood’s music continues to be remembered for its unique blend of soul and pop, and his songs remain an integral part of the Southern California musical landscape. Though his commercial success faded after his early hits, his influence on Latino communities and the music industry at large remains undeniable. Brenton Wood’s timeless romantic ballads and smooth soul sound will continue to echo through generations to come.
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