Orpheus (band)

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Orpheus
OrpheusInMarin(2014).JPG
The group in 2014
Background information
Origin Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Genres
Years active 19671971, 19881989, 2014–present
Labels MGM
Bell
BAM (Bruce Arnold Music)
Website www.orpheusband.com

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]

Contents

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. [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.

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. [12]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleYearLabelNotesRef.
Orpheus1968MGM RecordsDebut album "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
Ascending1968MGM RecordsSecond studio album "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
Joyful1969MGM RecordsThird studio album "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
Orpheus1971Bell RecordsFourth studio album; same title as debut "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
Orpheus Again2010BAM (Bruce Arnold Music)Reunion album "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.

Compilation albums

TitleYearLabelNotesRef.
The Best of Orpheus1995Ace Big BeatCompilation album "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
The Very Best of Orpheus2001Not specifiedCompilation album "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
The Complete Orpheus2001Not specifiedCompilation album "Orpheus (band)" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.

Charted singles

Peak chart positions of Orpheus singles
SongYearU.S. Billboard Hot 100 [13] U.S. Cash Box Top 100 [14] Canada RPM Top Singles [15]
"Can't Find the Time"1969807263
"Brown Arms in Houston"1969978881

Film

YearTitleNotesRef.
2000Me, Myself & IreneCover of their song "Can't Find the Time" by Hootie & the Blowfish featured on the soundtrack. [18]
2022The Greatest Beer Run EverOriginal version of "Can't Find the Time" by Orpheus featured in the film. [19]

Television appearances

Nomination

YearAwardCategoryResultRef.
2011Los Angeles Music AwardsShowcase Artist of the YearNominated [23]

Reunion and later activity

Orpheus Reborn

In the 2000s, Bruce Arnold formed Orpheus Reborn, a revival of the original group. The lineup included:

[24]

Orpheus Again

In 2010, a new version of the group released the album Orpheus Again. This project featured:

[25]

Associated acts

References

  1. "Orpheus returns to Worcester roots with Mechanics Hall show May 9". 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  2. "In Tune with his Audience". 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  3. "Orpheus". Music Museum of New England. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  4. "Orpheus". Music Museum of New England. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  5. Jensen, Charles (April 7, 2014). "60s Sunshine Pop Pioneer Bruce Arnold Finds the Time for Orpheus". The Arts Fuse. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  6. "Can't Find the Time by Orpheus". MusicVF. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  7. "Brown Arms in Houston by Orpheus". MusicVF. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  8. "RPM 100 Singles – June 16, 1969" (PDF). RPM via World Radio History. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  9. "Me, Myself & Irene (2000) – Soundtracks". IMDb. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  10. "Orpheus". Music Museum of New England. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  11. "Orpheus". Music Museum of New England. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  12. "Orpheus". AllMusic. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  13. "Chart Data and Surveys - Orpheus Reborn" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  14. "Chart Data and Surveys - Orpheus Reborn" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  15. "Chart Data and Surveys - Orpheus Reborn" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  16. "RPM Top 100 Singles - September 20, 1969" (PDF).
  17. "RPM Top 100 Singles - June 23, 1969" (PDF).
  18. "Orpheus – MMONE" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  19. "Orpheus – MMONE" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  20. "Orpheus - Can't Find the Time (1969 TV appearance)". YouTube. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  21. "Orpheus – I've Never Seen Love Like This (WABC 1968)". YouTube. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  22. "Official Orpheus Facebook Page". Facebook. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  23. "Orpheus – Los Angeles Music Awards" . Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  24. Official Orpheus Reborn Website
  25. Official Orpheus Website
  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