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Brenton Wood, the soul singer behind songs like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign” He died at the age of 83.
Wood’s family confirmed the news to Fox News Digital.
“Our family would like to thank each of Dad’s fans for the great love they have shown. He loved and treasured you all, and you all are showing that you loved him too!” they wrote.
Singer and songwriter Brenton Wood has died at the age of 83. (David Redfern/Redferns)
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They continued: “A few years after recording his greatest hits, Dad said his record label took everything and left him with just his name: Brenton Wood. Thanks for showing how much that name means!”
In 1967, Wood had his first hit with “Oogum Boogum’s Song” which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. He followed up with his biggest hit, “Gimme Little Sign,” which peaked at No. 9 on the pop charts.
“Our family would like to thank each of Dad’s fans for the great love they have shown. He loved and treasured you all, and you all are showing that you loved him too!”
“He described his writing style as ‘personal,’ challenging dominant ethnic and musical stereotypes. However, he was most proud of his artistic reinvention during the 1980s and 1990s,” his family’s statement read. “Newfound fame on the stage during this period secured his place in the universe of popular culture, as founder of the ‘oldies but goodies’ movement.”
Wood had several hits, including “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.” (ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
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Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood moved to San Pedro, California with his family as a child, and later settled in Compton, California.
The family noted: “Dad often attributed his success during these years to his dedicated ‘local’ fan base, and he loved connecting with them as much as possible. He was especially committed to performing locally in his Southern California hometown, and the West, where he cultivated so much support over the years. He loved meeting his fans on their own turf and wanted to return the love he felt as his “hometown” superstar.
The wood was shipped in a farewell tour, “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour” in 2024, named after his 1967 song. The tour was stopped at one point while the singer was hospitalized in May.
Wood went on a farewell tour in 2024 that was paused due to health concerns. (Mike P. McGinnis/Getty Images)
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In a statement to Variety, Wood’s manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, stated that Wood died of natural causes surrounded by his family at his home in Moreno Valley, CA. According to Gallegos, his last words were: “See you on the rebound.”
“Our family would like to thank each of Dad’s fans for the great love they have shown. He loved and treasured you all, and you all are showing that you loved him too!” Wood’s family said in a statement to Fox News Digital. (Michael Ochs Files/Getty Images)
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In their statement, Wood’s family said: “Recently reflecting on music and his career, Dad said ‘it’s all about memories.’ We hope he gave you as many unforgettable ones as he gave us.”
