History of Brenton Wood in Timeline
Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith, was an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in 1967 with three hit singles: "The Oogum Boogum Song," "Gimme Little Sign," and "Baby You Got It." These songs cemented his place in music history and continue to be recognized today. His smooth vocals and catchy melodies made him a popular artist during the era.
July 26, 1941: Birth of Alfred Jesse Smith (Brenton Wood)
Alfred Jesse Smith, later known as Brenton Wood, was born on July 26, 1941.
1967: Brenton Wood's Breakthrough Year
In 1967, Brenton Wood released three hit singles: "The Oogum Boogum Song," "Gimme Little Sign," and "Baby You Got It." These songs marked his musical breakthrough.
1967: Success with Double Shot Records
In 1967, Brenton Wood signed with Double Shot Records and achieved success with "The Oogum Boogum Song" and "Gimme Little Sign." "The Oogum Boogum Song" reached the top 10 on KGB-FM and No. 1 on KHJ in Southern California. "Gimme Little Sign" sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.
January 31, 1968: "Baby You Got It" Peaks on KHJ
On January 31, 1968, Brenton Wood's song "Baby You Got It" reached its peak position of No. 3 on the KHJ chart.
1972: Formation of Own Record Label and "Sticky Boom Boom" Release
In 1972, Brenton Wood started his own record label and released "Sticky Boom Boom [Too Cold] Part I and II," a funk-soul track co-written and co-produced with George Semper and Al McKay of Earth, Wind & Fire. He also recorded a duet with Shirley Goodman.
1975: Release of "Rainin' Love (You Gotta Feel It)"
In 1975, Brenton Wood released the single "Rainin' Love (You Gotta Feel It)" on Midget M-101. It was well-received and named a Newcomer Pick.
1977: Release of "Come Softly to Me"
Brenton Wood released the single "Come Softly to Me" in 1977.
1986: Release of "Out of the Woodwork" Album
In 1986, Brenton Wood released the album "Out of the Woodwork," which included re-recordings of his past hits and new tracks like "Soothe Me."
2001: Release of "This Love Is for Real" Album
Brenton Wood released the album "This Love Is for Real" in 2001.
2006: Appearance on Thee Mr. Duran Show
In 2006, Brenton Wood and his band appeared on the Los Angeles public access program Thee Mr. Duran Show, performing several of his hit singles.
2014: Collaboration with William Pilgrim & The All Grows Up
In 2014, Brenton Wood collaborated with William Pilgrim & The All Grows Up on a remake of "Gimme Little Sign" for their album "Epic Endings."
2019: "The Oogum Boogum Song" in Kinder Joy Commercial
Brenton Wood's song "The Oogum Boogum Song" was featured in a commercial for Kinder Joy products in 2019.
May 2024: Hospitalization and Tour Pause
Brenton Wood was hospitalized in May 2024, leading to a pause in his farewell tour.
2024: Announcement of Farewell Tour
Brenton Wood announced his farewell tour, "Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour," in 2024.
January 3, 2025: Death of Brenton Wood
Brenton Wood passed away on January 3, 2025.