Brenton Wood, the legendary soul singer known for his 1967 hit single “The Oogum Boogum Song” and for founding his record label in the Seventies, has passed away at the age of 83.
Wood’s Musical Journey
Born on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Brenton Wood, originally named Alfred Jesse Smith, relocated with his family to coastal San Pedro in Los Angeles, California. He attended high school in Compton before enrolling in East Los Angeles College, where he began to explore his passion for music under the stage name Brenton Wood.
Breakthrough Success
In 1967, Wood signed with Double Shot Records and achieved significant success with three major hits that year. These included “The Oogum Boogum Song,” which reached Number 19 on the Billboard R&B charts, “Gimme Little Sign,” peaking at Number Nine on the Hot 100, and “Baby You Got It,” reaching Number 34.
Meaning Behind the Music
In an interview with LAist, Wood explained the meaning behind “Oogum Boogum” as a form of spellcasting. Despite initially disliking the track, he dedicated six weeks to refining it until he was satisfied. The song has since been featured in various films and TV shows, showcasing Wood’s enduring musical legacy.
Legacy and Final Tour
Following his success, Wood established his record label, Prophesy Records, in 1972, and continued to release music through Mr. Wood Records over the years. In 2024, he announced his final tour, “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour,” named after another one of his 1967 hits. Wood’s manager, Manny Gallegos, shared that his last message to fans was, “Catch you on the rebound,” encapsulating his enduring spirit and passion for music.
FAQs
Q: What were Brenton Wood’s biggest hits?
A: Brenton Wood’s top hits included “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign,” and “Baby You Got It,” all released in 1967 and charting successfully.
Q: What was the inspiration behind the song “Oogum Boogum”?
A: According to Brenton Wood, “Oogum Boogum” was inspired by a spellcasting theme, despite his initial reservations about the track.
Q: What was Brenton Wood’s final tour called?
A: Brenton Wood’s last tour was named “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour,” reflecting his musical journey and leaving a lasting impact on his fans.
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
