Soul Singer Brenton Wood Passes Away at 83: A Tribute to His Legacy

Soul singer Brenton Wood has passed away at the age of 83, with TMZ and Variety confirming the news. His manager, Manny Gallegos, shared the sad announcement, revealing that Wood passed away at his home in Moreno Valley, California, which is located about 63 miles east of Los Angeles.

Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood’s journey to musical fame began in San Pedro, a coastal neighborhood in Los Angeles where he was raised. He later attended high school in Compton and pursued studies at Compton College, where he first caught the music bug. Known for his smooth vocals and skill as a pianist, Wood's career spanned decades, and he became widely celebrated for his 1967 hit, "The Oogum Boogum Song." This catchy tune, which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts, gained even more recognition as it was featured in various films, TV shows, and commercial campaigns over the years.

Though "The Oogum Boogum Song" brought him mainstream attention, Wood’s musical journey was much more expansive. A fan of Sam Cooke, Wood covered the iconic "A Change is Gonna Come," showcasing his musical influences. He also launched his own label, Prophesy Records, in 1972 and continued to produce music through his own imprint, Mr. Wood Records, well into the later years of his life.

The legacy of "The Oogum Boogum Song" lived on in popular culture, appearing in shows like The Umbrella Academy, Almost Famous, and Don’t Worry Darling. In early 2024, Wood kicked off his final tour, aptly named Catch You on the Rebound, inspired by his 1967 track. Sadly, the tour came to an abrupt halt in May when Wood was hospitalized, as reported by Variety.

Brenton Wood’s contribution to soul music, both through his timeless hits and his influence on other artists, will not be forgotten.