
Brenton Wood, the talented singer and songwriter best known for his soulful tracks “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign,” has died at the age of 83. The Compton-born artist, whose real name was Alfred Jesse Smith, passed away on Friday from natural causes at his home in Moreno Valley, according to his manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos (Variety).
Early Success and Iconic Hits
In 1967, Brenton Wood’s career skyrocketed with the release of “The Oogum Boogum Song.” The catchy single climbed to No. 34 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and No. 19 on the Top Selling R&B Singles chart. Shortly after, he achieved even greater success with “Gimme Little Sign,” which peaked at No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot 100, cementing his place in the music world.
Known for his slinky rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, Wood’s music captured the essence of budding romance, making it impossible not to groove along. His ability to narrate love’s ups and downs in relatable, everyday language endeared him to fans across generations.
A Lifelong Love for Music
Born on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Alfred Jesse Smith moved to San Pedro, California, at the age of three. Growing up in Los Angeles, he juggled various jobs, including selling newspapers and shining shoes, while nurturing his passion for music.
At just seven years old, Wood was inspired by a pianist he observed at a park. With no television at home, he would mimic the piano movements on imaginary keys until he finally got his own instrument. By age 10, he had written his first song. His artistic flair blossomed during his teenage years, particularly after meeting his first girlfriend.
The Journey to Stardom
A graduate of Compton High School, Wood went on to study at East Los Angeles College. He performed with local R&B groups such as Little Freddie and the Rockets and the Quotations before embarking on a solo career. Adopting the stage name Brenton Wood, inspired by the affluent Los Angeles neighbourhood of Brentwood, he set out to make his mark on the music scene.
“The Oogum Boogum Song” was born during a graveyard shift at Harvey Aluminum in Torrance. The melody and lyrics, inspired by the 1960s fashion trends, took Wood six weeks to perfect. Over the years, the track was featured in films such as Almost Famous and Don’t Worry Darling.
Resonating with Latino Audiences
Although his mainstream success waned after the late 1960s, Wood found a devoted audience among Latino listeners. Touring major California cities, Mexico, and Arizona, he became a beloved figure in Chicano music culture. His romantic ballads, often played at weddings, quinceañeras, and anniversary parties, became anthems of Southern California life.
Radio veteran Art Laboe once noted that Wood’s tracks resonated deeply with listeners because they reflected the emotional highs and lows of love. Songs like “Take a Chance” and “I Think You’ve Got Your Fools Mixed Up” were frequently dedicated by fans to their loved ones.
A Legacy of Soulful Tunes
Throughout his career, Wood’s music was celebrated for its unique instrumentation and slow, soulful groove. Bob Merlis, a former Warner Bros. Records executive, described Wood as a “local hero” of Los Angeles and a “standard bearer for the Southern California pop-soul scene.”
In 1970, Wood founded his own label, Mr. Wood Records, and began producing music for other artists. His influence extended beyond his hits, as his soulful voice became a staple on radio stations and at community events.
Remembering Brenton Wood
Chicano music historian Gene Aguilera recalled listening to Wood’s “Gimme Little Sign” alongside tracks by the Beatles and the Supremes on KRLA-AM 1110. Aguilera noted that Wood’s music became a permanent part of the East L.A. soundscape, often heard at parties and from lowriders cruising down Whittier Boulevard.
“Even though he wasn’t born here, he’s forever etched in our consciousness,” Aguilera said.
Brenton Wood’s music continues to inspire generations, reflecting the timeless allure of love and heartbreak. His legacy as a soulful voice of romance will live on through his unforgettable tunes.