Brenton Wood, ‘Oogum Boogum Song’ crooner who captivated Latino listeners, dies at 83
As I delve into the captivating lives of these musical luminaries, I am struck by the profound impact they have had on their respective communities and the world at large. Bearing witness to the tales of these artists’ journeys, it becomes evident that music truly transcends borders and unites us all in a shared rhythm.
Take, for instance, the enigmatic figure of Brenton Wood, whose soulful voice echoed through the airwaves of Los Angeles and beyond. Born in Jamaica but adopted by the City of Angels, he seamlessly wove his roots with the vibrant tapestry of East L.A., becoming an integral part of the Chicano music scene. His timeless hits like “Gimmie Little Sign” continue to resonate with generations, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of music to bridge cultural divides and unite us in shared experiences.
As I reflect on the lives of these artists, I am reminded of an old joke: Why was Brenton Wood’s hit single so popular? Because it was a “Little Sign” that good things were coming our way! May we always carry with us the spirit of unity and inclusivity that Brenton Wood embodied in his music. Let us continue to dance, sing, and create together, as one global community bound by the universal language of melody and rhythm.
In 1967, Brenton Wood looked as if he was on the cusp of mainstream success.
In a short span of time, the soulful singer from Compton saw success with his track “The Oogum Boogum Song.” It climbed up to the 34th position on Billboard’s Hot 100 and reached 19th place on their Top Selling R&B Singles chart. A few months down the line, he released another hit, “Gimme Little Sign,” which soared to No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
I, Alfred Jesse Smith, commonly known as Wood, took my last breath on Friday, at the comfort of my home in Moreno Valley, a fact confirmed by my manager and assistant Manny Gallegos to Variety. At the age of 83, I’ve bid farewell to this world.
Wood’s lively and catchy melodies are contagious. His charming and friendly way of expressing the feelings of a growing romance in simple language makes you want to listen more. Regardless if you’re dancing alone or with someone, it’s effortless to move to the rhythm.
Music
Tonight in Santa Ana, the artist known for hits like “The Little Sign” and “Oogum Boogum,” would appreciate a lively crowd yet finds enjoyment in having an audience.
Despite consistently putting out new songs, none matched the previous level of success. Disappointed by the music industry, he took a break for a while, eventually re-entering the scene at local clubs. It was here that he discovered a devoted fanbase that supported him for many decades – the Latino community.
Initially, he would tour major cities in California, followed by travels through Mexico and Arizona before heading back home. As his audience grew older, Wood started performing on themed cruises and at events with prominent Chicano musicians such as Los Lobos, Thee Midniters, and Ozomatli. Wood’s timeless oldies struck a chord with a new wave of couples, serving as the soundtrack for Southern California lifestyle – quite literally, as Wood discovered a third career as a performer at weddings, quinceañeras, and anniversary parties.
Bob Merlis, who previously worked at Warner Bros. Records and is a co-author of “Heart & Soul: A Celebration of Black Music Style in America 1930-1975,” referred to the artist as a “hometown icon” or “champion” in L.A., representing the Southern California pop soul genre as its flag-bearer.
Merlis commented, “There was nothing else that sounded quite like them,” as he currently manages a public relations and consulting agency. He found their sound remarkably distinct, and the instrumentation they used was particularly uncommon.
Music
As a devoted fan, I find myself particularly drawn to the vibrant energy and warmth that the local Latino community has shown towards R&B legend Brenton Wood. This Sunday, he graces the stage at Greek’s ‘Latino Rock ‘n’ Soul’ show, making it an event not to be missed by music enthusiasts alike.
In 1992, Wood stated to The Times that he felt singled out from the entire group and kept going as a result. He expressed gratitude for this situation since, if he were still waiting for the bigger names to contact him, he would have passed away long ago.
Wood’s lyrics portrayed the playful pursuit of a first love, a type of obsession that makes people appear foolish. He beautifully expressed the common longing to escape with a beloved one into a blissful honeymoon haven. Yet, he also penned down feelings of sorrow – and the empowering instant when the pain subsides.
1992 saw radio veteran Art Laboe explaining to The Times that Latinos have a preference for dedicating songs. He noted that it’s not the popular tunes they gravitate towards, but rather songs like ‘Take a Chance’ or ‘I Think You’ve Got Your Fools Mixed Up’. If a girl is having issues with her boyfriend, she might dedicate those specific songs to him as a form of expression.
Born on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the songwriter spent his early childhood in San Pedro before moving west at the age of 3. Throughout Los Angeles’ inner cities, he honed his skills by selling newspapers, fish, and polishing shoes. Eventually, he forged a successful career within the music industry.
Music
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As a young film enthusiast growing up with no television at home, I found myself captivated by the mesmerizing melodies of a pianist in our local park when I was just seven years old. Hours upon hours would pass as I sat there, mimicking the performer’s movements using my two fingers on an imaginary keyboard, eagerly trying to replicate his enchanting tunes. Eventually, with persistence and determination, I saved up enough money for my very own piano.
Fast forward to age ten, and I found myself putting pen to paper (or rather, lyric to song) as I wrote my first tune about a man yearning to take flight like a bird. The melody was cheerful and rhythmic, but I knew it lacked the powerful punch that would truly make it stand out. Little did I know, this humble beginning would pave the way for a life filled with music and creativity as Brenton Wood.
He found his groove when he met his first girlfriend. Then, the words flowed out.
As a film enthusiast looking back on my roots, I was a Compton High School graduate who found myself at East Los Angeles College in the ’50s. During that era, I was part of some local R&B groups, including Little Freddie and the Rockets and The Quotations. Eventually, I embarked on a solo career. My stage name, Brenton Wood, was inspired by the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood, where my manager resided.
Wood’s hit song “The Oogum Boogum” was a complete impromptu creation. At that time, he was busy with his night shift job at Harvey Aluminum in Torrance, when suddenly, the melody popped into his mind.
Music
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He shared with the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2000 that it took him roughly six weeks to complete the song due to repeatedly rearranging its verses. The song was a reflection of fashion trends from the ’60s, featuring bell-bottom trousers, hip-hugging styles, high-heeled boots, and various garments worn by girls – mini-skirts like hot pants and more.
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Back in 2000, he shared with the San Diego Union-Tribune that it took him around six weeks to write this song due to numerous adjustments he made to its verses. The song represented the shifting fashion trends of the ’60s, including bell-bottom pants, hip-hugging styles, high-heeled boots, and various outfits popular among girls – mini-skirts like hot pants and other fashionable attire.
The trampoline-like path made an appearance later on in both Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous” and Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling.
In 2014, Wood expressed that it was one of the most wonderful sensations you could experience, during an interview with Cal State Fullerton’s Titan TV.
By the year 1970, he established Mr. Wood Records and was responsible for producing several hit singles from various artists. Already, Latino audiences were warmly accepting him as part of their musical community.
Music
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As a teenager, music historian Gene Aguilera was inseparable from his small transistor radio, tuned to KRLA-AM 1110, where he’d switch between Jimi Hendrix’s “Gimmie Little Sign”, The Beatles, and the Supremes within an hour. While strolling through his neighborhood, he could hear Jimi Wood’s songs intermingling with Thee Midniters, coming from nearby gatherings or lowriders cruising down Whittier Boulevard, playing their music.
Aguilera remarked, “Though he didn’t grow up here, his memory will always be ingrained within us.” She had previously witnessed him perform at a park in Baldwin Park, prior to the pandemic.
The music he produces resonated strongly with East L.A., largely due to its slow, soulful rhythm, a style that East L.A. residents find particularly appealing.
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2025-01-04 04:01