Brenton Wood, an influential figure in the world of soul music, has died.
According to Deadline, he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Moreno Valley, CA home this past Friday.
Born Alfred Smith on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Brenton Wood adopted his stage name early in his career while experimenting with various labels.
His initial attempts with Brent Records and Wand Records saw little success until he joined Double Shot Records. It was here that his true potential began to shine through.
It was at Double Shot Records that Wood delivered "The Oogum Boogum Song," a track that would resonate throughout American summer in 1967. The infectious tune became a Top 10 hit at LA's KHJ-AM, capturing the hearts of listeners nationwide with its breezy charm during the so-called Summer of Love.
The success of "The Oogum Boogum Song" was quickly followed by even greater acclaim with "Gimme Little Sign." This single not only reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also achieved significant popularity overseas, climbing to No. 8 on the UK singles chart. His music, punctuated by an evocative voice and catchy melodies, became emblematic of the late 1960s soul resurgence.
Brenton Wood's musical career continued to produce hits beyond these two notable tracks. "Baby You Got It" and "Lovey Dovey Kinda Lovin’" also captured the public's attention, albeit with less fervor.
Despite these successes, his album "Oogum Boogum" was his only record to chart, securing a position at No. 187 in 1967. Wood enjoyed minor hits thereafter, including "Some Got It, Some Don’t" in 1968, and continued to release music into the late 1970s.
"Come Softly to Me" became his last song to enter the charts, reaching No. 97 on Billboard's R&B tally in 1978. Beyond his recordings, Wood’s talents extended to the silver screen with a role in the 1969 movie "Popdown."
Brenton Wood’s passing marks the end of an era for lovers of heartfelt, smooth soul music. His contribution to the genre, marked by songs laced with heartfelt lyrics and catchy rhythms, remains celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
His managers, Isabel and Manny Gallegos confirmed his death to multiple media outlets and expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of a music legend from their own lives. Wood is remembered not just for his music but for the warmth and spirit he exuded, traits that endeared him to fans across the globe.
Brenton Wood's career spanned over a decade of active hit-making, embedding his tracks in the annals of music history and influencing myriad artists across the soul and beyond. His storytelling through music and magnetic persona has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Brenton Wood will be remembered as a vibrant part of the soul music tapestry. His anthems of the Summer of Love and beyond continue to resonate, embodying the spirit of an era.
He remains an enduring influence in music, celebrated through his timeless songs and the joy they still bring to many. His sound, quintessentially soulful and undeniably catchy, has sealed his legacy as one of the genre's iconic figures.
