Brenton Wood, a legendary soul singer renowned for his iconic 1967 hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” has sadly passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich legacy in the music industry.

Wood transitioned to the next chapter of his life on Friday (Jan. 3), at his residence in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by his beloved family and friends, as confirmed by his manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, in a report by TMZ.

Gallegos, speaking to The New York Post, revealed that Wood succumbed to natural causes. “He went in his sleep peacefully. The love that he gave us, God took him the same way,” Gallegos reflected, emphasizing the profound impact Wood had on those around him.

The manager also conveyed a heartfelt final message from Wood to his dedicated fans: “He said, ‘Catch you on the rebound,’” a nod to a beloved 1967 song and the title of his final tour, which concluded over Valentine’s Day weekend in 2024. Wood began to feel unwell shortly after his tour and was hospitalized in May of the same year, highlighting the challenges he faced even amid his success.

Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood moved with his family to San Pedro, California, during the 1950s. It was here that he pursued higher education in Southern California, where he began to cultivate his passion for music. He drew inspiration from influential artists like Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, and as a self-taught pianist, he began writing songs and harmonizing with friends in his neighborhood. Wood adopted the stage name Brenton Wood, inspired by the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, symbolizing his deep connection to the local music scene.

After signing with Double Shot Records in 1967, Wood released three of his most popular songs that same year: “The Oogum Boogum Song,” which climbed to No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Gimme Little Sign,” which peaked at No. 9, and “Baby You Got It,” which also reached No. 34 on the Hot 100. Notably, both “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign” peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, showcasing Wood’s remarkable talent and the lasting appeal of his music.

In 1972, Wood took a significant step in his career by establishing his own record label, Prophesy Records, and later began releasing music under Mr. Wood Records. This entrepreneurial spirit not only allowed him creative control over his music but also paved the way for future artists to follow in his footsteps.

Over the years, “The Oogum Boogum Song” has captivated new audiences through its feature in popular television shows and films, including The Umbrella Academy, Almost Famous, and Don’t Worry Darling, ensuring that Wood’s music continues to resonate with fans old and new.

“It’s hard to be in a bad mood after you hear the ‘Oogum Boogum Song,’” NPR noted in a 2023 article. “Probably not worth the effort,” they continued, highlighting the song’s infectious energy and joyful vibe that has touched the hearts of many listeners.

“It’s a silly title and has silly lyrics, too. But there’s something about the feeling. That almost playful falsetto, the drums bouncing along, the jangly guitar hits,” NPR described, capturing the essence of Wood’s unique sound and the joy it brings to those who listen.

During his illustrious career, Wood was passionate about “giving back” to the community and frequently performed at schools and community outreach events throughout Southern California. According to his website, these appearances allowed him to share his personal and professional challenges and triumphs, delivering a powerful message of empowerment with a strong emphasis on education and a “can do” attitude to inspire the youth in his community.