Renowned soul singer Brenton Wood has passed away at the age of 83, as confirmed by his manager, Manny Gallegos, to TMZ and Variety. Wood, whose real name was Alfred Jesse Smith, was celebrated for his iconic 1967 single “The Oogum Boogum Song,” a track that has left a lasting impression by featuring in numerous films, television shows, and commercial campaigns.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in San Pedro, California, Wood’s early life was spent in the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles. He also attended school in Compton, where his passion for music began to flourish during his time at Compton College. Wood’s talent as a singer and pianist allowed him to cover several classics, including the powerful “A Change is Gonna Come,” originally by Sam Cooke, who significantly influenced his career.
While he had released records prior to “The Oogum Boogum Song,” the track propelled him into the spotlight, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts. In 1972, he took a significant step in his career by establishing his own label, Prophesy Records, and continued to produce music over the decades under Mr. Wood Records.
Recently, Wood’s music enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, thanks to its inclusion in contemporary projects such as “The Umbrella Academy,” “Almost Famous,” and “Don’t Worry Darling.” He had planned to embark on his final tour, titled “Catch You on the Rebound,” in early 2024, named after another one of his beloved songs.
In May, however, Wood faced health challenges that necessitated hospitalization and interrupted his tour plans. His contributions to music and influence in the soul genre will be cherished and remembered by fans around the world.
As we reflect on Wood’s remarkable life and enduring legacy, it serves as a reminder of the timeless impact of soul music and its powerful ability to connect generations.