Beloved “Oogum Boogum” Singer, Brenton Wood, Dead at 83

While born in Louisiana, Brenton Wood eventually found himself in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in California, the singer nurtured a love for music by listening to singers like Same Cooke and Jesse Belvin. Eventually taking the stage himself, Wood produced songs like “Gimme Little Sign” “Baby You Got It”, and “The Oogum Boogum Song.” The singer released his last album, Lord Hear My Prayer, back in 2009. Sadly, on January 3rd, news broke that the singer passed away. 

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Wood’s manager, Manny Gallegos, explained how the singer passed away. “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.’”

Leaving behind a legacy in R&B and soul, Wood once discussed his hit song “The Oogum Boogum Song” and how he didn’t like it at first. Although spending several weeks reworking the song, Wood said, “It was [Abracadabra] because they were casting a spell on me.” And when finally recording the song, “I was laughing all the way through. I thought, boy, this is gonna be catchy.”

The Last Words Of Brenton Wood

Never wanting to leave the stage, in 2024, Wood announced his final tour titled Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour. Paying tribute to his long legacy in the music industry, the singer seemed to recall the tour as Gallegos claimed his last words were “Catch you on the rebound.” 

Damn the Legend Brenton Wood has left Earth on his galactic tour of the great beyond. "Gimme Little Sign" was my favorite,very catchy if u listen to it whole.see u when I get there King Brenton🙏🏼💔 https://t.co/mKT5LsqKar

— Toofpick Will (@followToofpick) January 4, 2025

Online, fans took a moment to honor Wood and his contributions to music. “Heaven has gained an angel, Brenton Wood. You will truly be missed. You were a true legend in all cultures! Your music will continue to live on at family parties, weddings, and picnics, forever part of the soundtrack to our lives. I got to see this man when I was 15. Beautiful.” Another comment read, “Damn the Legend Brenton Wood has left Earth on his galactic tour of the great beyond. “Gimme Little Sign” was my favorite,very catchy if u listen to it whole.see u when I get there King Brenton.“

Leaving behind a legacy and a few hit songs, Wood continues to entertain fans and showcase his love for music.

(Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)