California soul man Brenton Wood, whose songs included The Oogum Boogum Song and Gimme Little Sign, died recently at the age of 83. He died in the comfort of his home in Moreno Valley California. Although, he was surrounded by his family members.
A Life Rooted in Music
Brenton Wood was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Alfred Jesse Smith but moved to California in his tender years. He moved to San Pedro and then joined Compton College though he developed his love for music there. Emulating Cooke and Belvin, he adopted the surname of Wood from his home county and the first name Brenton was chosen quite arbitrarily.
A Trailblazing Career
Brenton Wood and his band released their first record with Double Shot Records in 1967, which brought him into popularity. In that year, he launched two of his favorite tunes, The Oogum Boogum Song and Gimme Little Sign. Both of these tracks formed the standard for a piece of soul music. While the latter single climbed to No. 9 on the pop charts Billboard, which made him an active member of the music legends.
To attain a level of independence, in 1972 he founded the Prophesy Records company. He then continued to record music for his own independent music venture, the aptly named Mr. Wood Records, further proving his long-standing devotion to music making.
A Farewell Tour and Cultural Legacy
Earlier this year, Brenton Wood embarked on his farewell tour, Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour. However, due to some health problems, the proposed tour was canceled. Nonetheless, people still enjoy his music and associate it with generations through modern and contemporary compositions that touch films and television series.
The Oogum Boogum Song was used in The Umbrella Academy and Almost Famous, whilst Great Big Bundle of Love has a new generation of fans thanks to Big Little Lies. Brenton Wood is one of those artists who have recorded smooth soulfulness and in-depth lyrics that can make a listener’s day. People all around the world will remember him for his input in the world of music.
