Brenton Wood, the soul singer behind songs like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.” He died at the age of 83.
Wood's family confirmed the news to Fox News Digital.
“Our family would like to thank all of Dad's fans for the outpouring of love they have shown. He loved you all and cherished you all, and you are all showing that you loved him too!” They wrote.
Singer-songwriter Brenton Wood has died at the age of 83. (David Redfern/Redferns)
Founding member of the Osmond Brothers, Wayne Osmond, has died at the age of 73
They continued: “A few years after recording his biggest hits, my dad said his record label took everything and left it in his name only – Brenton Wood. Thank you for showing me how much that name means!”
In 1967, Wood achieved his first success with… “The Ogum Bogum Song” which reached No. 19 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He followed that with his hit song “Gimme Little Sign”, reaching No. 9 on the pop charts.
“Our family would like to thank all of Dad's fans for the outpouring of love they have shown. He loved you all and cherished you all, and you are all showing that you loved him too!”
“He described his writing style as 'personal' that challenged prevailing racial and musical stereotypes. However, he was very proud of his artistic reinvention during the 1980s and 1990s,” his family's statement said. “Newfound fame on stage during this period secured his place in the world of popular culture, as a founder of the 'oldies but goodies' movement.”
Wood had several hit songs, including “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.” (ABC Photo Archive/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Click here to subscribe to the entertainment newsletter
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood moved to San Pedro, California with his family as a child, later settling in Compton, California.
The family noted, “Dad often attributed his success during these years to his dedicated 'hometown' fan base, and he loved to connect with them as much as possible. He was especially committed to performing locally in his hometown of Southern California—and out west, where he earned many SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS He loved meeting his fans in their area, and wanted to give back the love he felt as a “hometown” star.
Wood proceeded to farewell tour, “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour” in 2024, named after his 1967 song. The tour was paused at one point while the singer was hospitalized in May.
Wood went on a farewell tour in 2024 that was paused due to health issues. (Mike B. McGinnis/Getty Images)
Do you like what you are reading? Click here for more entertainment news
in statement for variety, Wood's manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, said Wood died of natural causes surrounded by his family at his home in Moreno Valley, California. According to Gallegos, his last words were: “Catch you on the bounce.”
“Our family would like to thank all of Dad's fans for the outpouring of love they have shown. He loved you all and cherished you all, and you are all showing that you loved him too!” Wood's family said in a statement to Fox News Digital. (Michael Oakes Archives/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Looking back at music and his career recently, Dad said it's all about the memories,” Wood's family said in their statement. We hope it gave you as many memorable things as we did.”
