Climax

Climax was an American band formed in 1970 in Los Angeles, California, most noted for their 1971-1972 hit song "Precious and Few", which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and No. 1 on Cashbox magazine's Top 100 singles chart. This disc sold over one million copies and was certified gold by the RIAA on February 21, 1972. Career Climax initially consisted of lead singer Sonny Geraci; composer and guitarist Walter D. Nims; composer, singer, and keyboardist Nick D'Amico (Nicola Marcello D'Amico); and drummer Jon Jon Guttman (who wrote several songs on the band's lone album and also played other percussion). This quartet were soon augmented by unofficial fifth member (and second keyboardist) Johnny Stevenson, who officially joined the band upon D'Amico's departure in 1971. Executive producer Marc Gordon and record producer Larry Cox also played instrumental roles in recording the band and shaping their sound. The band was together from 1970 to 1976, during which they recorded one album, many singles and unreleased sides. They are generally considered a one-hit wonder because other than "Precious and Few", no other releases gained much widespread success. Origins Climax descended from the 1960s hit band The Outsiders. Former Outsiders members Geraci, Nims, and D'Amico, along with new member Guttman recorded and released a few singles under the Outsiders name (including "Lovin' You"/"Think I'm Fallin'" and "Changes"/"Lost in My World"), but when Tom King of the original band threatened legal action, the name of the band was changed to Climax for subsequent singles. Scoring a hit "Precious and Few", the band's biggest hit, was actually first recorded in 1970 with producer Ron Kramer and arranged by Nick D'Amico. It was later re-worked by producer Larry Cox, who was assigned by label owner Marc Gordon to re-tool the band's material. Cox, who later worked with Jefferson Starship and produced many of their soft rock ballads (including "Miracles"), was introduced to Climax by fellow Texan and soon-to-be new Climax keyboardist Johnny Stevenson. Cox urged the band to re-record "Precious and Few" and encouraged lead singer Sonny Geraci to capitalize on his ability to perform high-powered ballads.