Soul singer Brenton Wood has died.
The 83-year-old musician – best known for his 1967 hit ‘The Oogum Boogum Song‘ – passed away from natural causes at his home in Moreno Valley on Friday (03.01.25). His influence on soul music spans over five decades of musical innovation.
His manager and assistant Manny Gallegos confirmed the news to Variety. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and fans worldwide.
“Catch you on the rebound,” were his final words for his fans, Brenton was surrounded by his family as he passed and Gallegos said, making a reference to his most famous song, which has repeatedly been used across film, television and in commercial campaigns. The phrase became his signature catchphrase throughout his career.
Brenton was born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana and raised in San Pedro, Los Angeles. The city’s rich musical heritage would later influence his distinctive sound and style.
He went to high school in Compton, LA and later attended Compton College. During this time, he began developing his musical talents in local venues and churches.
He adopted his stage name as a reference to his home county and was inspired by artists including Sam Cooke and Jesse Belvin. These influences would help shape his unique vocal style that blended gospel, R&B, and soul.
Wood went on to cover the classic ‘A Change is Gonna Come’, which was originally performed by Cooke. His rendition brought new life to the civil rights anthem and showcased his interpretative abilities.
His biggest hits ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’ reached number 19 on the Billboard R&B charts, and ‘Gimme Little Sign’ hit number nine on the pop charts. Both songs have since become soul classics, covered by numerous artists over the years.
In 1972 he founded his own label Prophesy Records and went on to release music on his label Mr Wood Records. This entrepreneurial move made him one of the few African American artists of his era to own their own record label.
He launched his final tour, ‘Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour’ in 2024 but it had to be paused in May after he was admitted to hospital. The tour had been selling out venues across the country, demonstrating his enduring appeal.
In recent years ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’ found new popularity in films and TV shows such as ‘The Umbrella Academy’, ‘Almost Famous’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. The song’s resurgence introduced his music to a new generation of fans.
His single ‘Great Big Bundle Of Love’ also featured in season two of ‘Big Little Lies’. The placement helped spark renewed interest in his extensive catalog of soul classics.
Throughout his career, Wood released over 15 albums and numerous singles, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the soul music scene. His unique vocal style and songwriting abilities earned him a dedicated following that spanned generations.
The musician’s impact on the soul genre extended beyond his hit singles, as he became known for his dynamic live performances and ability to connect with audiences. His showmanship influenced many younger artists who followed in his footsteps.
Wood’s legacy includes not only his musical contributions but also his role in breaking down racial barriers in the music industry. During the 1960s, his crossover success helped pave the way for future African American artists in the mainstream music market.
His work has been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, ensuring his influence continues in contemporary music. His songs have been featured in over 50 films and television shows, cementing his place in popular culture.
The soul legend’s passing marks the end of an era in American music history, but his contributions to soul, R&B, and popular music will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come. His distinctive voice and memorable songs remain a testament to his artistic vision and enduring impact on American music.
