Precious and Few

"Precious and Few" is a song recorded by American group Climax which became a major North American hit in early 1972. The song was written by the band's guitarist, Walter D. Nims.^[3]

"Precious and Few"
Side A of the Australian single
Single by Climax
from the album Climax Featuring Sonny Geraci
B-side	"Park Preserve"
Released	December 1971
Recorded	1971
Genre	Soft rock[1][2] pop[2]
Length	2:43
Label	Carousel/Rocky Road Records
Songwriter(s)	Walter D. Nims
Producer(s)	Larry Cox
Climax singles chronology
"Precious and Few" (1971) "Life and Breath" (1972)

Background

Lead vocals on the demo were provided by Johnny McCurdy, also known as Johnny Mac.

Background voices on Climax's hit record were arranged by Tom Bähler and sung by Jeanne Sheffield, Debbie Clinger, Mitch Gordon and Tom Bähler.

The hit record was sung by Sonny Geraci.

Chart performance

"Precious and Few" spent three weeks at number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and hit number one on the Cash Box Top 100.^[4] It also reached number six on Canada's RPM 100.^[5]

Weekly charts

Chart (1971–1972)	Peak position
Australia Go-Set[6]	29
Australia Kent Music Report	26
Canadian RPM 100[5]	6
Canadian RPM MOR Playlist[7]	13
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[8]	3
U.S. Billboard Easy Listening[9][10]	6
U.S. Cash Box Top 100[4]	1
U.S. Record World The Singles Chart[11]	1
U.S. Record World The M.O.R. Chart[12]	3

Year-end charts

Chart (1972)	Rank
Canada	28
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[13]	30
U.S. Billboard Easy Listening[14]	48
U.S. Cash Box[15]	31

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[16]	Gold	1,000,000^
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Cover versions

The song has been covered by several artists:

• In 1972 by Andy Williams, the Lettermen, Ray Conniff and Terry Baxter
• In 1973 by Pilita Corrales
• In a Spanish version in 1995 by Barrio Boyzz titled "Entre tú y yo"
• In 1998 by the Company.^[17]

See also

• List of 1970s one-hit wonders in the United States
• List of Cash Box Top 100 number-one singles of 1972