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

Mar. 15, 2025

Brenton Wood in 2010.Photo:Steve Snowden/Getty

Steve Snowden/Getty

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

PEOPLE reached out to Gallegos for comment.

Wood died of natural causes, Gallegos told theNew York Post, saying, “He went in his sleep peacefully.” He added, “The love that he gave us, God took him the same way.”

Though, the singer didn’t go without a few parting words.

“I was there last night at his house. I was playing the piano for him. He was in the hospital bed, and I told him, ‘Friend, is there anything you want to say to your fans?’ And he says, you tell my fans I said, ‘Catch you on the rebound,’ " Gallegos recalled of Wood’s final words, which referenced his 1967 song and the name of his final tour, perEW.

A photo of photo of Brenton Wood taken in his early career.David Redfern/Redferns

David Redfern/Redferns

Gallegos told theNew York Postthat Wood began to feel ill after completing his tour on Valentine’s Day weekend in 2024, and he 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” crooner sought inspiration from artists including Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke and began songwriting and playing the piano, according to a biography on hiswebsite.

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Brenton Wood (center) performs in 2021.Mike P. McGinnis/Getty

Mike P. McGinnis/Getty

Brenton Wood performs onstage during the Summertime in the LBC festival in August 2017.Scott Dudelson/Getty

Scott Dudelson/Getty

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

The late singer’s passion didn’t only lie in music, but in “giving back” to his community, according to hiswebsite. Along with touring, he performed “at local schools and community outreach events” for “at-risk youth.” During the performances, he would share the “challenges and successes” that he went through in life and promoted a “can do” message of empowerment.

source: people.com