Wood's manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly, sharing the singer's final message for his fans: "'Catch you on the rebound.'" Gallegos had visited Wood at his home the previous night, playing piano for the ailing artist.
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1941, Wood's family soon relocated to California. He spent his formative years in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles and in Compton, where he attended high school and junior college, according to his website's biography.
His musical journey began in these California locales, where he adopted the stage name Brenton Wood, inspired by his home county. Influenced by artists like Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, he honed his songwriting and piano skills.
In an August 2023 NPR interview, Wood revealed his studio debut in 1957, marking the start of a prolific career that spanned nine studio albums and numerous compilations.
His catchy tunes became chart-toppers and found their way into popular culture, featured in movies and TV shows such as "Almost Famous," "Don't Worry Darling," "Big Little Lies," "The Umbrella Academy," and "Eastbound and Down."
Wood's passion for performing continued into his later years. He recently embarked on a farewell tour, "Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour," but was forced to postpone dates due to declining health.
