Brenton Wood, the soul singer behind songs such as “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign,” has died at the age of 83.
Wood’s family confirmed the news to Fox News Digital.
“Our family would like to thank each and every one of Dad’s fans for the love they have shown. He loved and cherished all of you, and you are all showing that you love him too!” they wrote.
Singer-songwriter Brenton Wood dies at age 83. (David Redfern/Redferns)
Osmond Brothers founder Wayne Osmond dies at 73
They continued, “A few years after recording his hit song, Dad said his record company took everything but his name – Brenton Wood. Thank you for showing that name. significance!
Wood had his first hit song in 1967 with “The Oogum Boogum Song,” which peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He then released his biggest hit single, “Gimme Little Sign,” which reached number nine on the pop charts.
“Our family wants to thank each and every one of Dad’s fans for the love they have shown. He loved and cherished all of you, and you are all showing that you love him too!”
“He described his writing style as ‘personal’ and challenged mainstream racial and musical stereotypes. However, he was most proud of his artistic reinvention in the 1980s and 1990s,” his family said in a statement wrote in. “This period’s newfound fame on the stage secured his place in popular culture as the founder of the ‘oldies but goodies’ movement.”
Wood wrote several hit songs, including “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.” (ABC Photo Archives/Disney Universal Entertainment via Getty Images)
Click here to subscribe to the Entertainment Newsletter
Wood, whose real name was Alfred Jesse Smith, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. He moved with his family to San Pedro, California when he was a child, and later settled in Compton, California.
The family noted, “Dad often attributed his success over the years to his loyal ‘hometown’ fan base, with whom he loved to connect whenever possible. He was particularly committed to local shows in his native Southern California – and for many years , he has gained so much support there that he loves meeting fans on their turf and wants to return the love of being their ‘hometown’ superstar.
In 2024, Wood embarked on a farewell tour, “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour,” named after his 1967 song. The tour was briefly put on hold when the singer was hospitalized in May.
Wood embarked on a farewell tour in 2024, but it was put on hold due to health issues. (Mike P. McGinnis/Getty Images)
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Wood’s manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, said in a statement to Variety that Wood died of natural causes at his home in Moreno Valley, Calif., surrounded by his family. According to Gallegos, his last words were “grab your rebound.”
“Our family wants to thank every one of Dad’s fans for the love they have shown. He loved and cherished all of you, and you are all showing that you loved him too!” Wood’s family said in a statement to Fox News Digital. (Michael Oaks Archives/Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
“Looking back on recent music and his career, his father said it was ‘all about the memories,'” Wood’s family said in a statement. “We hope he gave you as many unforgettable experiences as he gave us.”
