Brenton Wood - "Oogum Boogum" (1967)

Brenton Wood (born Alfred Jesse Smith, July 26, 1941, Shreveport, Louisiana) is an American singer and songwriter, best known for his two 1967 hit singles: "The Oogum Boogum Song" and "Gimme Little Sign".

When Wood was a child his family moved west to San Pedro in Los Angeles, California. He attended San Pedro High School for part of his freshman year before moving to Compton. In his high school years his family relocated to nearby Compton, where Brenton became a member of the Compton High School track team and received several awards for his athletic achievements.

Following his high school graduation, Wood enrolled in East Los Angeles College; soon after, he took the stage name Brenton Wood, possibly inspired by the wealthy Los Angeles enclave of Brentwood (some sources state that the name is in honor of his "home county"). During this period, his musical interests began to manifest themselves. He was inspired by Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, and he began cultivating his songwriting skills, also becoming a competent pianist.

Early singles for Brent Records and Wand Records failed to chart. After signing with Double Shot Records, Wood had a hit with "The Oogum Boogum Song" in the spring of 1967. It reached number 19 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 34 on the corresponding Billboard Hot 100 pop listing. His biggest hit came in September of the same year, as "Gimme Little Sign" hit #9 on the pop chart and #19 on the R&B charts. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.[1] In the song, "Gimme Little Sign" is not sung, instead the chorus repeats "Give Me Some Kind of Sign".

Wood continued to perform, even recording a duet with Shirley Goodman. He reached the charts again in 1977, when "Come Softly to Me" registered in the lower reaches of the listings. Following its release, Wood became part of the oldies soul circuit. In 2001, he returned with an album of new material, This Love Is for Real.

"The Oogum Boogum Song" was covered by Alex Chilton. "Gimme Little Sign" was later covered by Danielle Brisebois, who had a hit with it in 1994. "Gimme Little Sign" was also recorded by Ricky Nelson.

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• Wood
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• Boogum
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[GhostbusterhasCreez]

Is he still alive?

[LNC1818]

First heard this a few years ago and never could find out the name and who sang it, now that I know I'll keep playing it!

[Chagoivan91]

this is my shit

[xWill3455x]

LRG

[ilianitalopez]

I wish I would have been able to meet him..... What a legend! Hands down

[thecmonster93]

My husband is REALLY good friends with Mr. Brenton Wood. He is really a cool guy!

[crazyromanian1]

@sydudi52 Would have loved to seen it!!!!!

Peace

[castelan529]

i was born in the wrong time wish i could of been there

[2012PIOTREK]

Classic!!! AWESOME!!!

[MeValeMadre209]

JJ from good times 0:52 ha this a great jam!