Brenton Wood
Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, was a significant figure in the American soul and R&B music scene. He grew up in coastal San Pedro, California, where he attended high school and began to delve into music during his youth.
His musical career gained momentum when he released his debut album, "Oogum Boogum," in 1967, at the age of 26. This album marked the beginning of his successful journey in the music industry, showcasing his unique style that blended soulful melodies with an engaging lyrical narrative.
Brenton Wood is perhaps best known for his hit singles from the late 1960s, particularly "Gimme Little Sign" and "The Oogum Boogum Song," both of which became iconic tracks in the soul genre. His contributions to music have placed him among the elite artists of the pre-baby boomer era, establishing his legacy in the annals of American R&B and soul music.
Throughout his career, he also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "Colors" (1988), "The Gray Man" (2022), and "Almost Famous" (2000).
Brenton Wood passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich legacy in the realms of music and entertainment. His influence continues to resonate within the industry, remembered for his vibrant contributions to soul music and the cultural landscape of his time.
Oogum Boogum
Written-By – A. Smith
1:59
A2 A Little Bit Of Love
Written-By – A. Smith, J. Winn, J. Hooven
1:57
A3 Best Thing I Ever Had
Written-By – A. Smith, J. Winn, J. Hooven
2:20
A4 Runnin' Wild
Written-By – A. Mathis
2:30
A5 Take A Chance
Written-By – A. Smith, J. Winn, J. Hooven
2:20
A6 The Oogum Boogum Song
Written-By – A. Smith
2:25
B1 Gimme Little Sign
Written-By – A. Smith, J. Winn, J. Hooven
2:19
B2 Psychotic Reaction
Written-By – Atkinson, Byrne, Michalski, Ellner, Chaney
2:50
B3 I'm The One Who Knows
Written-By – A. Smith
2:25
B4 Come Here Girl
Written-By – A. Smith, J. Winn, J. Hooven
2:27
B5 Birdman
Written-By – A. Smith
1:58
B6 I Like The Way You Love Me
Written-By – A. Smith
2:25
Label: Double Shot Records – DSS-5002
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Sixties Soul, Pop-Soul
Brenton Wood's Oogum Boogum album, a 1967 pop-soul LP, is lauded for its iconic hits "The Oogum Boogum Song" and "Gimme a Little Sign," showcasing Wood's unique vocals and catchy, emotionally resonant songwriting, though some find it short (23 mins) and inconsistent, blending playful tunes with deeper soul cuts like "I Think You've Got Your Fools Mixed Up," making it a beloved, albeit brief, snapshot of mid-60s West Coast soul.
Wood's "elastic" and sincere voice carries the album, moving from playful to deeply emotional. The album eatures the novelty smash "The Oogum Boogum Song" and the soulful ballad "Gimme Little Sign," a fan favorite. It Includes strong tracks like "I Think You've Got Your Fools Mixed Up," showing more depth beyond the hits, blending upbeat rhythms with simple, effective keyboard riffs, perfectly capturing the era's sound.
Many consider it a must-have for Wood's hits, with the rest of the album being an easy, enjoyable listen, perfect for lowrider culture and soul fans. It's seen as a creative expression of Wood's exploration into pop-soul, highlighting his talent for blending joy and sorrow.
In summary, Oogum Boogum is a short but sweet collection, essential for its two massive hits, but also offers a charming glimpse into Brenton Wood's soulful, versatile style, making it a significant, beloved album despite its brevity.