30 Facts About Brenton Wood

Early Life and Career

Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith, embarked on his musical journey in the late 1950s. His early years laid the foundation for a career that would span decades.

1. Brenton Wood was born on July 26, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.
2. He began his musical journey in the late 1950s, singing with vocal groups like the Oogum Boogum Quotations and Little Freddy and the Rockets.
3. Wood chose his stage name possibly inspired by the upscale area of Brentwood in Los Angeles.
4. Before achieving mainstream success, Wood released several singles under his own name or stage name with Brent Records and Wand Records. These early singles did not chart.

Breakthrough with Double Shot Records

Wood's career took a significant turn when he signed with Double Shot Records in the mid-1960s. This partnership would lead to his most memorable hits.

5. In the mid-1960s, Wood signed with Double Shot Records, which would become the platform for his breakthrough hits.
6. Released in 1967, "The Oogum Boogum Song" was Wood's debut single with Double Shot Records. The song peaked at No. 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 19 on the R&B charts.
7. Wood's next single, "Gimme Little Sign," released in 1967, became his biggest hit. It peaked at No. 9 on the pop chart, No. 19 on the R&B charts, and No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart. The record sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.
8. Another hit from 1967, "Baby You Got It," also peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing Wood's place in the music scene of that era.

Musical Style and Influences

Wood's unique blend of soul and novelty music set him apart from his contemporaries. His influences and style contributed to his distinctive sound.

9. During the 1960s, Wood's backing band was Kent and The Candidates, a group from Los Angeles led by drummer Kent Sprague.
10. Wood was known for his unique blend of soul and novelty music. He drew inspiration from various genres, including R&B and pop.
11. Before becoming a successful singer, Wood taught himself piano by copying licks from other players. He also penned songs for other artists to record.
12. To make ends meet while pursuing music, Wood worked as an overhead crane operator at Harvey Aluminum in Torrance. It was during these long stretches of time that he rewrote "The Oogum Boogum Song" in the company cafeteria over about six weeks.
13. Wood would listen to local radio stations and teach himself how to make music that would get airtime and sell. This self-taught approach helped him understand what made a hit song.

Albums and Notable Works

Brenton Wood's discography includes several albums and compilations that showcase his talent and versatility as an artist.

14. In 1967, Wood released his debut album, "Oogum Boogum," which featured his hit single of the same name. The album was released on Double Shot Records and peaked at No. 184 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart.
15. Wood appeared in the 1967 film "Popdown," alongside notable musicians like Julie Driscoll, Zoot Money, Andy Summers, Don Partridge, and Tony Hicks.
16. Wood was known for his novelty songs, which often featured catchy melodies and lyrics that were both humorous and relatable.
17. In 1972, Wood started his own record label, which allowed him to co-write, co-produce, and release his own music.
18. One of Wood's notable collaborations was with George Semper on the funk soul classic "Sticky Boom Boom [Too Cold] Part I and II."

Later Career and Legacy

Even after his peak in the 1960s, Wood continued to make music and influence new generations of artists.

19. Over the years, Wood released several albums and compilations. Some notable albums include "Come Softly" (1977), "Out of the Woodwork" (1986), "Sweet Old School" (1995), "Classic By Design" (2000), and "This Love Is for Real" (2001).
20. Wood also released several compilations of his best work. These include "Brenton Wood's 18 Best" (1991) and "18 More of the Best, Vol. 2" (1999).
21. In the 1980s and 1990s, Wood continued to release new music and re-record his old hits. His album "Out of the Woodwork" featured re-recordings of his early hits along with new songs like "Soothe Me."
22. In 2014, Wood teamed up with William Pilgrim & The All Grows Up to remake his song "Gimme Little Sign" for their album "Epic Endings."
23. In 2024, Wood announced his farewell tour, called "Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour."

Personal Life and Impact

Brenton Wood's personal life and his impact on the music industry are integral parts of his story.

24. Wood was married and had a family. While he kept his personal life relatively private, it is known that he was deeply committed to his music and his fans.
25. Brenton Wood's legacy extends beyond his hit singles. He played a significant role in shaping the soul and novelty music genres of the 1960s.
26. Wood's success with Double Shot Records paved the way for other artists to achieve mainstream success through independent labels.
27. Wood's unique blend of soul and novelty music made him stand out in an era dominated by rock and roll.
28. Wood's songs consistently performed well on various music charts. His singles often reached the top 10 on both R&B and pop charts.
29. Despite not receiving major awards, Wood's gold disc for "Gimme Little Sign" is a testament to his commercial success.
30. Brenton Wood passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 83. His death marked the end of an era for soul and novelty music fans worldwide.

Brenton Wood's Enduring Legacy

Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith, left a lasting mark on the music world. Known for hits like "The Oogum Boogum Song", "Gimme Little Sign", and "Baby You Got It", he blended soul and novelty music in a way that still resonates. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own record label, influencing future artists. Wood's knack for catchy melodies and relatable lyrics made him a standout in the 1960s. Even after his passing in 2025, his music continues to inspire. From his early days working as a crane operator to his farewell tour, Wood's journey was anything but ordinary. His songs, filled with humor and soul, remain timeless. Brenton Wood's legacy isn't just in his hits but in his impact on the music industry and the generations of musicians he inspired.