Alfred Jesse Smith (July 26, 1941 – January 3, 2025), better known as Brenton Wood, was an American singer and songwriter.
Early Life and Family
Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, moved with his family to San Pedro, California, during his childhood. He went to San Pedro High School but transferred to Compton High School, where he excelled as a track athlete.
Early Life and Musical Education
Wood enrolled at East Los Angeles College after high school. During this time, he took on his stage name, Brenton Wood, presumably after the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, where he is originally from. He developed his songwriting and piano skills under the influence of artists such as Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke.
Career Highlights
In 1967, Wood signed with Double Shot Records and recorded “The Oogum Boogum Song,” which peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, he achieved greater success with “Gimme Little Sign,” which reached No. 9, and “Baby You Got It,” which reached No. 34. Those hits helped secure his foothold in the soul and R&B genres.
In 2014, he partnered with William Pilgrim & The All Grows Up for a remake of the song “Gimme Little Sign” on their album, “Epic Endings.”
In 2024, Brenton Wood announced his farewell tour Catch You On The Rebound: The Last Tour.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
Wood was also committed to outreach in his community beyond his career as a musician. He began performing at local schools and events, sharing his life experiences to inspire at-risk youth and encourage education.
Later Years and Death
Wood’s tour ended in February 2024, and his health deteriorated in the months to follow, forcing hospitalization in May. He died peacefully in his sleep in Moreno Valley, California, on January 3, 2025, at home with family and friends. Wood’s manager, Manny Gallegos, shared Wood’s last message with fans: “Catch you on the rebound,” he told them in a play on one of his hit songs.
Legacy
Though Brenton Wood’s music continues to influence the sound of soul and R&B. His works have appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, ensuring his contributions remain in popular culture.
