Sonny Geraci (1947 - 2017)

[1finemrg]

Sonny Geraci has passed away at the age of 69.

As noted in the posts to follow, Sonny was the lead singer of the Outsiders who had 4 Top 40 hits including "Time Won't Let Me". He reached the Top 10 a second time fronting Climax (Precious & Few).

Outsiders trivia (posted before): Their final Top 40 hit "Help Me Girl" (#37) was outcharted by a competing version from Eric Burdon & the Animals (#29). It was produced by Chuck Mangione.

My favorite was their #15 cover of an Isley Brothers original.

Respectable - Outsiders

Climax was the first to record this song, released about a year before it became a #3 comeback hit for the Righteous Brothers. What's interesting is that their version mentions Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly) and Donna (Ritchie Valens) instead of Bobby Darin and Jim Croce. The reason is that Bobby and Jim were still alive at the time the original by Climax was released. Writers Alan O'Day and Johnny Stephenson rewrote the song updating those lyrics for the Righteous Brothers version.

Rock And Roll Heaven - Climax

RIP Sonny Geraci

[dukelightning]

Lead singer of Climax. Had no idea this was was going to happen but heard their "Precious and Few" as an extra on the AT10 show from 2/5/05 last night. Of course that song will also be played on next week's 70s 'A' show. RIP.

[bestmusicexpert]

So saddened by this. An all time favorite of mine.

Next week WBME will pay special tribute to him!

Plus on my countdown next week and three weeks from now when I do a week with Climax in the 40.

[djjoe1960]

Sonny Geraci was also a member of the Outsiders (Time Won't Let Me), in addition to Climax (Precious & Few).

[1finemrg]

Sorry everyone. I was running errands when I noticed Sonny's passing. I've updated my original post.