“Oogum Boogum Song” singer Brenton Wood has died at 83

Brenton Wood, the soul singer behind songs like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign” he died at 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 outpouring of love they have shown. He loved and treasured everyone, and show everyone that you loved him back!” 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 biggest hits, dad said his record company took everything and left him with just his name – Brenton Wood. Thanks for showing me how much that name means!”

In 1967, Wood landed his first hit with “The Oogum Boogum Song”, which reached 19 on the Billboard R&B chart and 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. He followed that with his biggest hit, “Gimme Little Sign”, reaching No. 9 in the pop charts.

“Our family would like to thank each and every one of Dad’s fans for the outpouring of love they have shown. He loved and treasured everyone, and show everyone that you loved him back!”

– Brenton Wood Family

“He described his writing style as ‘personal’, challenging ethnic and mainstream musical stereotypes. However, he was most proud of his artistic reinvention during the 1980s and 1990s,” the statement of his family read “The new fame on the scene during this period secured his place in the universe of popular culture, as a 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, then settled in Compton, California.

The family noted, “Dad often credited his success during these years to his dedicated ‘hometown’ fan base, and he loved connecting with them as much as possible. He was especially busy going out locally in the his hometown of Southern California – and the West, where he has cultivated so much support over the years, he loved to meet his fans on his own territory, and he wanted to return the love that he felt like his “hometown” superstar.

Wood embarked a farewell tour, “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour,” in 2024, named after his 1967 song. The tour stopped at one point while the singer was hospitalized in May.

Wood went on a farewell tour in 2024 that was on hiatus due to health issues. (Mike P. McGinnis/Getty Images)

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In a statement to Variety, Wood’s manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, said Wood died of natural causes surrounded by his family at his home in Moreno Valley, CA. According to Gallegos, his final words were: “Catch you on the rebound.”

“Our family would like to thank each and every one of Dad’s fans for the outpouring of love they have shown. He loved and treasured everyone, and show everyone that you loved him back!” Wood’s family said in a statement to Fox News Digital. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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In their statement, Wood’s family said: “Reflecting on music and his career recently, Dad said it’s ‘all about the memories’. We hope he gave you as many unforgettable ones as he did.” has us.”