Orpheus is an American rock band originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, that enjoyed popularity in the 1960s and early 1970s, featuring lead singer/songwriter Bruce Arnold (1946-2022). The original band members, including Stephen Martin, Jack McKennes, Eric "Snake" Gulliksen, and Harry Sandler, along with Robert Emmet Dunlap and Kathi Taylor, also performed for many years in New England as Orpheus Reborn.
History Orpheus is an American rock band best known for its string of soft rock hits during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band was formed in 1967 by Bruce Arnold and Jack McKennes, evolving from their earlier folk duo, The Villagers. Orpheus signed with MGM Records and was associated with the ‘Bosstown Sound’ marketing campaign. Orpheus toured with major acts such as Cream, The Who, and Janis Joplin. They had two charted Billboard Hot 100 singles, "Can't Find the Time" was released on MGM Records and reached #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles in 1969. “Brown Arms in Houston,” released on MGM Records, charted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles, reaching #91. The song also charted in Canada, peaking at #81 on the RPM Top 100 Singles chart in 1969.
The band’s most notable hit, "Can't Find the Time" became a national success in 1969 and was later was covered by Hootie & the Blowfish for the 2000 film Me, Myself & Irene. Orpheus released several albums under MGM Records, including Orpheus (1968), Ascending (1968), and Joyful (1969), each featuring lush orchestrations and introspective lyrics that set them apart from their contemporaries in the Boston music scene.
Though the group disbanded in December 1969, Arnold reformed Orpheus in 1971 with a new lineup, releasing a self-titled album that year. Over the years, Orpheus has experienced several revivals, performing under names like Orpheus Reborn and continuing to tour and record into the 2010s.
Musical style
Orpheus's music blends elements of pop, jazz, and classical music, with smooth vocal harmonies and richly orchestrated arrangements. Their sound has been described as psychedelic pop, sunshine pop, AM pop, baroque pop, and soft rock. Critics have noted the band’s melodic sophistication and introspective lyrics as defining features of their work, especially in comparison to other acts associated with the Bosstown Sound movement.
Discography
Studio albums
Title Year Label Notes Ref. Orpheus 1968 MGM Records Debut album Ascending 1968 MGM Records Second studio album Joyful 1969 MGM Records Third studio album Orpheus 1971 Bell Records Fourth studio album; same title as debut Orpheus Again 2010 BAM (Bruce Arnold Music) Reunion album
Compilation albums
Title Year Label Notes Ref. The Best of Orpheus 1995 Ace Big Beat Compilation album The Very Best of Orpheus 2001 Not specified Compilation album The Complete Orpheus 2001 Not specified Compilation album
Charted singles
+ Peak chart positions of Orpheus singles Song Year U.S. Billboard Hot 100 U.S. Cash Box Top 100 Canada RPM Top Singles "Can't Find the Time" 1969 80 72 63 "Brown Arms in Houston" 1969 97 88 81
Can't Find the Time ) Brown Arms in Houston )
Film Year Title Notes Ref. 2000 Me, Myself & Irene Cover of their song "Can't Find the Time" by Hootie & the Blowfish featured on the soundtrack. 2022 The Greatest Beer Run Ever Original version of "Can't Find the Time" by Orpheus featured in the film. Television appearances
"Can't Find the Time" (1969 TV appearance) WABC interview clip (1968) "It's What's Happening, Baby!" (1965 TV special)
Nomination Year Award Category Result Ref. 2011 Los Angeles Music Awards Showcase Artist of the Year Nominated
Reunion and later activity
Orpheus Reborn In the 2000s, Bruce Arnold formed Orpheus Reborn, a revival of the original group. The lineup included: Bruce Arnold – vocals, guitar Robert Emmet Dunlap – bass, vocals Steve Kawalek – drums Kathi Taylor – vocals Bernardo Baglioni – guitar Jim Scott – keyboards
Official Orpheus Reborn Website
Orpheus Again In 2010, a new version of the group released the album Orpheus Again. This project featured: Bruce Arnold – vocals, guitar, songwriting Bernardo Baglioni – guitar, co-producer Robert Emmet Dunlap – bass, vocals Kathi Taylor – vocals Tom Major – drums Jimmy "Jay" Rossi – keyboards, arrangements Bill Mason – saxophone Jeff Stout – trumpet
Official Orpheus Website
Associated acts
Ultimate Spinach
Beacon Street Union
Alan Lorber
References
Marin Independent Journal - "Orpheus makes its West Coast debut, 45 years later" Telegram.com - "Orpheus Finds The Time To Beautifully Evoke The 1960s" Marin Independent Journal - Press Play: Bruce Arnold's "Orpheus Again" GoLocalWorcester.com - "Orpheus Gears Up For Mechanics Hall Homecoming - May 9th" Fuse Music Interview: 60′s Sunshine Pop Pioneer Bruce Arnold "Finds the Time" for Orpheus
External links
Official Orpheus Website Official Orpheus Reborn Website Music Museum of New England MIT Interview with Orpheus Reborn