Brenton Wood, Known for ‘Oogum Boogum Song,’ Dies at 83

Lauren Novak January 6, 2:05 pm

Photo of Brenton WOOD; Posed portrait of Brenton Wood, sitting at a piano — David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images

Soul singer Brenton Wood, best known for songs such as “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign,” died at the age of 83 on January 3, 2025. His family confirmed the sad news and shared a message that read, “Our family would like to thank each of Dad’s fans for the outpouring of love they’ve shown. He loved and treasured you all, and you’re all showing that you loved him back! A few years after recording his major hits, Dad said that his record label took everything and left him only with his name — Brenton Wood. Thank you for showing how much that name means!”

Wood was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on July 26, 1941, then moved to San Pedro in the Los Angeles, California, area, when he was a child. The family later settled in Compton. His family’s message continued, “Dad often credited his success during these years to his dedicated base of ‘hometown’ fans, and he loved connecting with them as much as possible. He was especially committed to performing locally in his hometown of Southern California — and the West, where he cultivated so much support over the years. He loved meeting his fans on their own turf, and wanted to give back the love he felt as their ‘hometown’ superstar.”

Soul singer Brenton Wood performs on stage at Route 66 Casino�s Legends Theater on January 2, 2010 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wood earned three Top 40 hits during 1967 including "Gimme Little Sign" that reached #9

Steve Snowden/Getty Images

Wood’s career took off in 1967 with the song “The Oogum Boogum Song,” which reached No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the Southern California area, the song became more popular on the radio, followed by “Gimme Little Sign.” In 1972, Wood formed his own record label, and his next solo song to reach the charts was “Come Softly to Me.”

Wood continued to release music into the ’80s and beyond and most recently embarked on a farewell tour called “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour” in 2024. Unfortunately, he had to pause the tour in May after being hospitalized. He died from natural causes at his home, surrounded by family, and according to his manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, his last words were, “Catch you on the rebound.”