Orpheus (band)

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. The Original band members, including Stephen Martin, Jack McKennes, Eric "Snake" Gulliksen, and Harry Sandler, along with Robert Emmet Dunlap and Kathi Taylor, performed for many years in New England as Orpheus Reborn.^[1][2]

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.^[3] Orpheus signed with MGM Records and was associated with the ‘Bosstown Sound’ marketing campaign.^[4] Orpheus toured with major acts such as Cream, The Who, and Janis Joplin.^[5] 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.^[6] “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.^[7][8]

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. ^[9] 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, ^[10] Arnold reformed Orpheus in 1971 with a new lineup, releasing a self-titled album that year.^[11] Over the years, Orpheus has experienced several revivals, performing under names like Orpheus Reborn and continuing to tour and record into the 2010s.

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.^[12]

• Can't Find the Time (1968) (US/US Bub. #111 — 1968) (US #80 — 1969 / Canada #63^[16])
• Brown Arms in Houston (1969) (US #91 — 1969 / Canada #81^[17])

• "Can't Find the Time" (1969 TV appearance)^[20]
• WABC interview clip (1968)^[21]
• "It's What's Happening, Baby!" (1965 TV special)^[22]

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

^[24]

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

^[25]

• Ultimate Spinach"Ultimate Spinach". Retrieved May 6, 2025.

• Beacon Street Union"Bosstown Sound". Retrieved May 6, 2025.

• Alan Lorber"Bosstown Sound". Retrieved May 6, 2025.

1. Marin Independent Journal - "Orpheus makes its West Coast debut, 45 years later"
2. Telegram.com - "Orpheus Finds The Time To Beautifully Evoke The 1960s"
3. Marin Independent Journal - Press Play: Bruce Arnold's "Orpheus Again"
4. GoLocalWorcester.com - "Orpheus Gears Up For Mechanics Hall Homecoming - May 9th"
5. Fuse Music Interview: 60′s Sunshine Pop Pioneer Bruce Arnold "Finds the Time" for Orpheus

• Official Orpheus Website
• Official Orpheus Reborn Website
• Music Museum of New England
• MIT Interview with Orpheus Reborn
• Orpheus discography at Discogs