Brenton Wood, the soul singer behind the iconic 1967 hit The Oogum Boogum Song, has passed away at the age of 83, as confirmed by his manager, Manny Gallegos, to TMZ and Variety. The artist, born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, had a career that spanned decades and influenced generations, with his music continuing to resonate in popular culture.

Wood’s signature track, The Oogum Boogum Song, gained widespread recognition when it peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard R&B charts. The upbeat, catchy tune became a hallmark of the era, and its continued use in films, television shows, and commercials kept his legacy alive long after its release. Notable appearances of the song in projects like The Umbrella Academy, Almost Famous, and Don’t Worry Darling ensured that new audiences could appreciate its charm.

Born and raised in San Pedro, California, Wood’s musical journey began at Compton College, where he nurtured his talent as a singer and pianist. Though he released several songs before Oogum Boogum, it was the 1967 hit that launched him into the spotlight. Inspired by artists like Sam Cooke, Wood also recorded a moving cover of Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come, a track that highlighted his powerful voice and deep emotional range.

In the early ’70s, Wood took an entrepreneurial step by founding his own label, Prophesy Records, and continued to release music for years. He later established Mr. Wood Records, where he remained active in the music scene well into his later years. His final project, a tour named Catch You on the Rebound, launched in early 2024, was meant to commemorate the lasting impact of his 1967 song of the same name.

Though the tour came to an unexpected halt in May due to a hospitalization, Wood’s legacy as a pioneering soul artist endures. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to music, culture, and film will never be forgotten.

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