Singer Brenton Wood, Known for 'The Oogum Boogum Song,' Dies at 83: 'Catch You on the Rebound'

Musician Brenton Wood, known for the hit “The Oogum Boogum Song”, has died at the age of 83.

The soul singer died at his home in Moreno Valley, California on Friday, January 3, surrounded by family and friends, his manager and publicist Manny Gallegos confirmed. Entertainment Weeklythe New York Post and TMJ.

PEOPLE has reached out to Gallegos for comment.

Wood died of natural causes, Gallegos said New York Postsaying, “He went peacefully to sleep.” He added: “The love he gave us, God took him in the same way.”

Nevertheless, the singer did not leave without a few words at parting.

“I was at his house last night. I was playing the piano for him. He was in a hospital bed and I said, ‘Dude, do you want to say something to your fans?’ And he says, tell my fans I said, ‘Catch you on the bounce,'” Gallegos recalled Wood’s last words, which referenced his 1967 song and the name of his last tour, per EW.

Photo of a photo of Brenton Wood taken early in his career.

David Redfern/Redferns

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Gallegos said New York Post that Wood began feeling ill after finishing his tour on Valentine’s Day weekend 2024, and was hospitalized weeks later in May.

Wood, whose real name is Alfred Jesse Smith, was born in Shreveport, La., and moved to San Pedro, Calif., in the 1950s. Growing up, the “Me and You” singer looked to artists including Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke for inspiration and began writing songs and playing the piano, according to a biography on his website.

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Brenton Wood (centre) performs in 2021.

Mike P. McGinnis/Getty

However, it wasn’t until he entered college that he finally came up with his stage name Brenton Wood — which was inspired by the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to New York Post.

He signed with Double Shot Records in 1967 and, not long after, released some of his most popular hits, including “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign” and “Baby You Got It,” according to Billboard.

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Brenton Wood performs on stage during the Summertime in LBC festival in August 2017.

Scott Dudelson/Getty

In particular, “The Oogum Boogum Song” has undergone a renaissance in recent years, being featured in numerous TV shows and movies, including Don’t worry dear, Umbrella Academy and Almost famousBillboard announced.

Wood has released nine studio albums and several compilations, per EW. In 1972, he founded his own label, Prophesy Records, before releasing music under Mr. Wood Records.

The late singer’s passion was not only in music, but also in “giving back” to the community, according to his website. In addition to touring, he performed “at local schools and community events” for “at-risk youth.” During the performance, he would share the “challenges and successes” he has gone through in life and promote a “can do” message of empowerment.

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Source: HIS Education