Renowned 1960s singer Brenton Wood, whose real name was Alfred Smith, passed away at the age of 83 on January 3, as confirmed by his representative. Wood was a prominent figure in the music industry, particularly celebrated for his catchy and memorable tracks that resonated with fans across generations.

He achieved immense popularity in 1967 with three Top 40 hits: “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign,” and “Baby You Got It.” These songs not only topped the charts but also showcased his unique vocal style and creative songwriting abilities. His manager shared that Wood sadly passed away from natural causes in his home located in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by loved ones. He left a heartfelt message for his fans, saying: “Catch you on the rebound,” which references another one of his popular songs from the same year.

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Throughout his illustrious career, Wood released a total of nine albums between 1967 and 2009. Remarkably, he continued to perform and engage with audiences until last year. He was actively participating in his farewell tour, which had to be postponed in May due to health complications. Notably, “The Oogum Boogum Song” has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, being featured in various television shows and films, including The Umbrella Academy, Almost Famous, Don’t Worry Darling, and even in a commercial for the Italian candy brand Kinder Joy.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Wood once shared in a 2004 interview with Classic Bands that he taught himself to play the piano by observing others. He initially began to replicate the songs that were popular on the radio, gradually developing his own style. “I started getting into those songs that were on the radio [and] I started copying them,” he explained. His passion for music grew from personal experiences, particularly his relationships, which inspired him to write songs about love and heartache.

Brenton Wood’s Journey from Steel Mill to Music Stardom

Despite his talent, Wood revealed that he had a songwriting contract dating back to 1957, which unfortunately did not provide enough income for him to leave his job at a metal factory. He explained, “I was starting to get paid pretty good to run those heavy equipment machines.” However, everything changed dramatically when “Gimme Little Sign” became a breakout hit. This pivotal moment transformed his life, allowing him to transition from the steel mill to a vibrant career on the road as a performer.

Following the success of his hit single, Wood found himself sharing the stage with iconic acts such as The Young Rascals, Gladys Knight and The Pips, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. He also had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside Janis Joplin and Big Brother and The Holding Company. His appearances on the Dick Clark TV show became frequent, and he recalls one memorable tour involving six musicians traveling in a station wagon with a U-Haul trailer. This tour took place during a tumultuous time in the United States, marked by social unrest across various states, stretching from Los Angeles to the Midwest.

Watch Brenton Wood Perform ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’