‘Song of Ugum Bugum’ singer dies at 83

Soul singer Brenton Wood, best known for his 1967 hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” has died at the age of 83.

Wood’s manager and assistant Manny Gallegos said Wood died on Friday (January 3) at his home in Moreno Valley, Calif., surrounded by family and friends, TMZ reported Down.

Gallegos confirmed new york post Wood died of natural causes. “He fell asleep peacefully. The love he gave us, God gave him the same way,” Gallegos said.

The manager also shared Wood’s last words with fans: “He said, ‘Catch your bounce,'” referring to a 1967 song and the title of his final tour, which will premiere on 2024’s Lover Festival weekend ends.

Wood was born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, and moved with his family to San Pedro, California in the 1950s. He later attended college in Southern California, where he began to develop a passion for music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke. Wood was a self-taught pianist who composed songs and harmonized with neighborhood friends. He took inspiration from the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles and adopted the stage name Brenton Wood.

After signing with Double Shot Records in 1967, Wood released three hit songs that same year: “The Oogum Boogum Song” (which peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100), “Gimme Little Sign” (which peaked at No. 9) on the Hot 1 00 Strong) and “Baby You Got It” (No. 34 on the Hot 100). “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign” both reached No. 19 on the charts. advertising billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and “Baby You Got It” ranked No. 30 on the chart.

In 1972, he founded his own label, Prophesy Records, and later released music under Mr. Wood Records.

Over the years, The Song of Ugumbugum has attracted new audiences through appearances in popular TV shows and movies, such as The Umbrella Academy, almost famous and don’t worry honeywait.

NPR wrote in 2023: “It’s hard to be in a bad mood after listening to ‘Oogum Boogum Song.’ It’s probably not worth it.”

“It’s a stupid title, and it has stupid lyrics. But there’s a feeling. That almost playful falsetto, the bouncing drums, the jangly guitar.

Throughout his career, Wood believed in “giving back,” and frequently performed at schools and community outreach events in Southern California, according to his website. During these appearances, the musician will share his personal and professional challenges and successes, delivering empowering messages that emphasize education and a “can-do” attitude to inspire young people, the website said.