Key Points
Pioneering soul singer who rose to fame in the 1960s
Scored multiple hit singles including "Gimme Little Sign"
Influential artist in R&B and pop music landscape
Born in Louisiana, made musical mark in California
His managers Isabel and Manny Gallegos reportedly confirmed the news to multiple media outlets, saying Wood died peacefully in his sleep.
Brenton Wood shot to fame with 'The Oogum Boogum Song'.
Born Alfred Smith on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, LA, Wood was raised in San Pedro just south of Los Angeles. He began singing and playing piano at an early age. He signed with Brent Records and later Wand Records but was not able to produce a hit as per the report of Deadline.
The singer then switched to Double Shot Records in Hollywood, where he recorded "The Oogum Boogum Song."
As per Deadline, the track went Top 10 at L.A.'s leading Top 40 station KHJ-AM and dented the national Top 40 during the Summer of Love. It was then followed by his signature song 'Gimme Little Sign.'
The song crashed the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1967 and peaked at No. 9 a few weeks later. After Wood performed it on the popular TV music series 'Top Of The Pops', it reached no. 8 in the UK Singles chart. It was reportedly among the few 1960s pop singles not to mention the actual title in its lyrics.
The reason for his death is still unknown.
His other notable work includes 'Me and You', 'Baby You Got It', 'I Like The Way Tou Love Me' and others.
