Brenton Wood Biography: Full Name | Age | Died at 83
Brenton Wood Biography: Full Name | Age | Education | Profession | Height | Career | Net Worth | Wife & Children | Died at 83
Brenton Wood Biography:
Full Name: Alfred Jesse Smith
Birth name: Alfred Jesse Smith
Date of Birth: July 26, 1941
Place of Birth: Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Origin: San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres: SoulR & Bpop
Occupation: Singer-songwriter
Instruments: Vocals keyboards
Died: January 3, 2025 (aged 83)
Place of Death: Moreno Valley, California, USA
Religion: Christianity
Education:
Profession:
Singer, Songwriter
Height:
Brenton Wood stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Career:
Career Highlights: Brenton Wood adopted his stage name in the mid-1960s, inspired by the affluent neighborhood of Brentwood, Los Angeles. His music career took off in 1967 with two major hits:
- “The Oogum Boogum Song” – Reached No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Gimme Little Sign” – A gigantic & enormous hit, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 19 on the UK Singles Chart.
Other notable songs include “Baby You Got It” and “Catch You on the Rebound.” His music blended soulful melodies with R&B influences, earning him a dedicated following. He released several albums and remained active in the music scene for decades.
In 2024, Wood announced his farewell tour titled “Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour,” which concluded on Valentine’s Day weekend. Unfortunately, his health declined soon after, leading to his passing in early 2025.
Brenton Wood’s Career Overview
1960s
Brenton Wood began his musical journey with early singles for Brent Records and Wand Records, though they failed to chart. Brenton Wood’s breakthrough reached after signing with Double Shot Records, where his novelty whack “The Oogum Boogum Song” got & reached No. 19 on the US Billboard R&B chart & No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring 1967. In Southern California, the track became a local sensation, hitting the top 10 on KGB-FM and reaching No. 1 on KHJ.
Wood’s biggest & victory successful success of the decade was “Gimme Little Sign,” which mounted to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 19 on the R&B charts, No. 2 on KHJ, and No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart. The song sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc. Notably, the title phrase does not appear in the lyrics; instead, the chorus repeats, “Give Me Some Kind of Sign.”
Wood sealed out the decade with “Baby You Got It,“ which peaked at Number. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1967 & acquired No. 3 on KHJ in early 1968. During this era, his backing band was the Los Angeles-based Kent and The Candidates, led by drummer Kent Sprague. Together, they recorded several singles for Double Shot Records.
1970s
In 1972, Wood demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding his record label. He co-wrote, co-produced, and released the funk-soul classic “Sticky Boom Boom [Too Cold] Part I and II” in collaboration with George Semper (co-producer, arranger) and Al McKay of Earth, Wind & Fire. He also documented a duet with Shirley Goodman.
Wood emitted the single “Rainin’ Love (You Gotta Feel It)” on Midget Records In 1975,. Praised in industry publications, it was noted as a “Newcomer Pick” alongside tracks like “Bump Me Baby” by Dooley Silverspoon and “The Mighty Clouds of Joy” by Mighty Clouds of Joy.
Wood returned to the charts in 1977 with “Come Softly to Me.”
1980s and Beyond
In 1986, Wood released the album Out of the Woodwork, which included re-recordings of his earlier hits alongside new tracks like “Soothe Me.” His 2001 album This Love Is for Real featured additional fresh material.
Later performances included a 2006 appearance on the Los Angeles public access program Thee Mr. Duran Show, where Wood performed several of his classic hits.
In 2014, he collaborated with William Pilgrim & The All Grows Up for a remake of “Gimme Little Sign” on their album Epic Endings.
Wood’s music continued to resonate in popular culture; in 2019, “The Oogum Boogum Song” was featured in a Kinder Joy commercial.
2020s
In 2024, Brenton Wood announced his farewell tour, Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour, marking the culmination of a legendary career that has spanned decades.
Net Worth:
His net worth as of 2024 is around $5 million from all sources of income. He was an American citizen. His zodiac sign was Leo. He believes in Christianity. He is of black and African-American descent.
Personal Life:
Brenton Wood was known for keeping his personal life private. He was never married and reportedly did not have any children. He dedicated much of his time to community service, performing at schools and participating in outreach programs for at-risk youth in Southern California.
Death: Did Brenton Wood die
Brenton Wood passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 3, 2025, at the age of 83. According to his manager, Manny Gallegos, Brenton wood death was due to natural causes. He was surrounded by friends and family at his home in Moreno Valley, California.Brenton wood died
Legacy:
Brenton Wood’s contributions to soul and R&B music remain timeless. His songs continue to captivate listeners, ensuring his legacy lives on in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.