Brenton Wood, the beloved soul singer known for his 1967 hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” lived in a modest home in Moreno Valley, California. Wood, who passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 83, spent his final years in this cozy residence. Let’s take a closer look at the house where this legendary musician spent his twilight years. If you’re interested in learning about Bryce James House, be sure to check out this article.
Who is Brenton Wood?
Brenton Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith on July 26, 1941, was an American singer and songwriter who made a big splash in the music world during the 1960s. He’s best known for his catchy tunes like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign,” which became instant classics. Wood’s smooth voice and unique style made him a favorite among music lovers, especially in Southern California.
Wood’s career spanned several decades, and he continued to perform and release music well into the 2000s. While he wasn’t as flashy as some other celebrities, Wood lived comfortably thanks to his music career. He owned a modest home in Moreno Valley and likely had a car or two, but he wasn’t known for extravagant purchases like yachts, private islands, or jets. His net worth at the time of his death wasn’t publicly disclosed, but it’s safe to say he lived a comfortable life without the excesses often associated with fame.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alfred Jesse Smith |
| Stage Name | Brenton Wood |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Shreveport, Louisiana |
| Date of Death | January 3, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Moreno Valley, California |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Famous For | “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign” |
| Years Active | 1960s – 2020s |
| Notable Albums | “Oogum Boogum” (1967), “Gimme Little Sign” (1967) |
| Known Residences | Moreno Valley, California |
| Estimated Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Where Does Brenton Wood Live Now?
Sadly, Brenton Wood is no longer with us. He passed away on January 3, 2025, in his home in Moreno Valley, California. This city, located in Riverside County, is about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. It’s known for its mix of suburban living and natural beauty, with the Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park nearby.
Moreno Valley is a diverse community with a population of over 200,000 people. It’s a place where you can enjoy the quiet of suburban life while still being close enough to the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. The area where Wood lived is characterized by single-family homes, wide streets, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Brenton Wood House
Brenton Wood house in Moreno Valley was where the soul singer spent his final years. It wasn’t a flashy mansion or a sprawling estate, but a comfortable home that suited the down-to-earth musician. Wood, known for his humble nature, chose a house that reflected his personality – modest yet welcoming.
The house, while not often in the public eye, was where Wood could relax and enjoy his retirement years. It was his sanctuary, a place where he could reminisce about his music career and spend time with loved ones. The home’s exact location wasn’t widely publicized, respecting Wood’s privacy, but it was known to be in a quiet neighborhood in Moreno Valley.
1. Where Is Brenton Wood House?
Brenton Wood house is located in Moreno Valley, California. This city, nestled in Riverside County, is part of the Inland Empire region. It’s a place that offers a mix of urban conveniences and natural beauty. The exact street address of Wood’s home wasn’t made public, protecting the late singer’s privacy.
Moreno Valley is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, and Wood’s home was likely in one of these areas. The city is surrounded by mountains, giving residents beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. It’s not hard to imagine Wood enjoying the peaceful surroundings of his Moreno Valley home, perhaps finding inspiration for his music in the quiet moments.
2. Features of Brenton Wood House
While we don’t have exact details of Brenton Wood house, we can make some educated guesses based on typical homes in Moreno Valley. The house was likely a single-story ranch-style home, which is common in this area. These homes usually have an open floor plan, making them feel spacious and welcoming.
The architectural style of Wood’s house probably reflected the California suburban aesthetic – simple lines, a low-pitched roof, and maybe even a small porch or patio. These homes are designed to be comfortable in the warm California climate, with good ventilation and often large windows to let in natural light.
As for size, homes in Moreno Valley typically range from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. Wood’s house was likely in this range, providing enough space for comfortable living without being overly large. The lot size for homes in this area can vary, but many have enough space for a small yard, perfect for enjoying the California sunshine.
3. Personal House Touches
When celebrities buy homes, they often make changes to suit their tastes and needs. While we don’t have specific information about changes Brenton Wood made to his house, we can imagine some improvements he might have made:
- Music Room: As a musician, Wood might have converted a spare room into a small studio or music room where he could play and compose.
- Backyard Patio: He might have added or upgraded a patio area for relaxing outdoors and maybe even entertaining friends and family.
- Kitchen Upgrade: Many homeowners like to personalize their kitchens. Wood might have updated appliances or added custom cabinets.
- Bathroom Renovation: A common home improvement is updating bathrooms for comfort and style.
- Energy Efficiency: Given California’s focus on energy conservation, Wood might have invested in energy-efficient windows or solar panels.
These improvements are just speculation, but they’re the kind of changes that many homeowners, including celebrities, often make to personalize their living spaces.
4. House Amenities
While we don’t have a detailed list of amenities in Brenton Wood house, here are some features that are common in homes in Moreno Valley:
- Central air conditioning
- Attached garage
- Fireplace
- Open floor plan
- Backyard
- Master suite
- Walk-in closets
- Modern kitchen appliances
- Laundry room
- Outdoor living space
5. Neighborhood Area
Brenton Wood house was located in one of Moreno Valley’s residential neighborhoods. These areas are known for their family-friendly atmosphere and community feel. The streets are often wide and lined with trees, creating a pleasant environment for walks or bike rides.
Moreno Valley offers a mix of old and new developments. Some neighborhoods have homes dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, while others feature newer constructions. The area where Wood lived likely had a mix of long-time residents and newer families, creating a diverse and welcoming community.
One of the perks of living in Moreno Valley is the easy access to nature. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, offering beautiful views and hiking opportunities. The nearby Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s easy to imagine Wood enjoying these natural surroundings, perhaps finding inspiration for his music in the peaceful landscape.
The city also has several parks and recreational facilities scattered throughout its neighborhoods. These provide spaces for community gatherings, sports, and relaxation. Depending on the exact location of Wood’s home, he might have been within walking distance of one of these local parks.
Shopping and dining options are plentiful in Moreno Valley. The Moreno Valley Mall is a major shopping center in the area, and there are numerous smaller shopping plazas throughout the city. Local restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, reflecting the diverse population of the area.
For daily necessities, most neighborhoods in Moreno Valley are conveniently located near grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services. This mix of residential calm and nearby conveniences makes it an attractive place for people looking for a balance between quiet living and urban amenities.
The community in Moreno Valley is known for its diversity and friendliness. It’s the kind of place where neighbors often know each other, creating a sense of belonging. For a celebrity like Brenton Wood, who valued his privacy, this kind of community would have offered a perfect balance – a place where he could be part of a neighborhood without the constant spotlight of fame.
Market Value
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Build Year | Circa 1980s (estimated) |
| Purchase Year | Not publicly disclosed |
| Purchase Value | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Estimated Value (2025) | $1.2 million (estimated) |
The estimated value of $1.2 million for Brenton Wood house is based on average home prices in desirable areas of Moreno Valley as of 2025. However, it’s important to note that this is a rough estimate. The actual value could be higher or lower depending on the specific features of the home, its exact location, and any upgrades or renovations that may have been made.
Brenton Wood’s Real Estate Portfolio
Brenton Wood kept a low profile when it came to his real estate holdings. Unlike some celebrities who own multiple properties, Wood seemed content with his Moreno Valley home. There’s no public information about other properties he may have owned or sold over the years.
Wood’s journey, however, took him from Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was born, to San Pedro, California, where his family moved when he was just three years old. He then lived in various parts of Los Angeles as he grew up and started his music career.
In his early years, Wood lived in some of L.A.’s inner-city neighborhoods. He sold newspapers and shined shoes to make ends meet before his music career took off. These humble beginnings likely influenced his choice to live modestly even after achieving success.
Wood’s time in Compton is particularly noteworthy. He attended Compton High School, and it was during this time that his musical talents began to flourish. The city of Compton, with its rich musical history, played a significant role in shaping Wood’s artistic journey.
After his rise to fame in the late 1960s, Wood likely lived in various parts of Southern California as his career progressed. However, he chose to settle in Moreno Valley in his later years. This move from the bustle of Los Angeles to the more relaxed environment of Moreno Valley reflects a common pattern among many who seek a quieter life as they get older.
The Moreno Valley house, where Wood spent his final years, became his home base. It was here that he could enjoy the fruits of his successful career while maintaining a connection to the Southern California region that had been so instrumental in his rise to fame.
While we don’t have details about previous homes or childhood residences, Wood’s choice to live in Moreno Valley in his later years speaks to his desire for a peaceful, comfortable life away from the spotlight. This single home, rather than a extensive real estate portfolio, seems to have been enough for the soul singer who touched so many lives with his music.
Conclusion
Brenton Wood house in Moreno Valley, California, was more than just a place to live – it was a reflection of the man himself. Modest yet comfortable, it represented the down-to-earth nature of a musician who never let fame change who he was at heart. While we may not know all the details about his home, we can appreciate that it was where Wood spent his final years, surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit community and the beauty of Southern California’s landscape.
From his early days in Los Angeles to his final years in Moreno Valley, Wood’s journey through life and real estate mirrored his musical career – authentic, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in the soul of Southern California. His Moreno Valley home, estimated at $1.2 million, stands as a testament to a life well-lived and a career that brought joy to millions through music.
As we remember Brenton Wood, we can imagine him in his Moreno Valley home, perhaps sitting on a patio, looking out at the mountains, and reflecting on a life filled with music, success, and the simple pleasures of home. It’s a fitting final chapter for a man whose songs will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.
