Supply: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty
UPDATED: 9:00 AM ET., January 4th, 2025
As we’ve come to know yr after yr, day after day even, dying is sadly an inevitable a part of life. Nonetheless, as a lot of a reality as that could be, the blow of experiencing loss by no means will get any simpler, nor does reporting on the topic in Black tradition.
Brenton Wooden, recognized for his hit songs “The Oogum Boogum Tune,” and “Gimmie Little Signal,” died of Pure Causes in his California residence. He was 83 years outdated.
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Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wooden’s household relocated to California, the place his inventive skills blossomed. Drawing inspiration from legends like Sam Cooke, his distinctive mix of soulful vocals, piano-driven instrumentation, and playful lyrics introduced a recent vibrancy to the R&B style. His work captured common experiences of affection, heartbreak, and connection, resonating deeply with listeners.
Wooden rose to fame within the Nineteen Sixties with hits like “The Oogum Boogum Tune” and “Gimme Little Signal.”
Wooden’s affect was significantly profound within the Latino lowrider group, the place his romantic ballads turned a soundtrack for cultural celebrations. His music was a bridge between generations, fostering connections by a shared admiration for his sound.
Study extra beneath about who in our tradition has handed away thus far this yr in 2025 Under
1. Singer, Brenton Wooden
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wooden’s household relocated to California, the place his inventive skills blossomed. Drawing inspiration from legends like Sam Cooke, his distinctive mix of soulful vocals, piano-driven instrumentation, and playful lyrics introduced a recent vibrancy to the R&B style. His work captured common experiences of affection, heartbreak, and connection, resonating deeply with listeners.
Wooden rose to fame within the Nineteen Sixties with hits like “The Oogum Boogum Tune” and “Gimme Little Signal.”