Bruce Arnold, a well-known singer, and composer who founded the rock group Orpheus, passed away yesterday at the age of 76.
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According to Deadline, Arnold’s family confirmed his passing even though no explanation was given. A memorial post with a picture of him and the following text appeared on his Facebook profile:
Bruce Oliver Arnold: 1946–2022
Howie Hersh, Arnold’s friend, bandmate, and fellow Worcesterite said that Bruce had been ill for a few days and passed just a few days ago, but his family had withheld the information until now.
Founded by Bruce Arnold, Orpheus Bruce Arnold produced Orpheus in 1967; it gained popularity in the 1970s and the late 1960s.
Most of the members were from the folk movement and had played in psychedelic bands that were Bosstown sound specialists.
However, the band’s style was comparable to Sunshine Pop, a 1960s AM radio staple. The band’s founding members were Stephen Martin, Jack McKennes, Eric “Snake” Gulliksen, Harry Sandler, Robert Emmet Dunlap, and Kathi Taylor.
Before teaming forces with Harry for Orpheus, Jack, Eric, and Bruce were all part of the pop-folk group the Minuteman, while Jack, Eric, and Bruce had previously established the group the Villagers.
The majority of the band’s songs were written by Bruce and Eric, and in the late 1960s, they were able to produce three LPs for MGM under the names Brown Arms in Houston and Can’t Find the Time. Their melodies and tunes were similar to those of groups like the Association, the Fifth Dimension, and the Letterman.
Four albums and six singles were recorded by the band after signing with MGM Records and Bell Records. Along with The Who, Led Zeppelin, Blood, Sweat, and Tears, and Janis Joplin, they performed on the same stage. In 2012, Bruce Arnold remarked to the Marin Independent Journal:
“We had gone off on our tangent, but Orpheus did not sound like the music produced by the hip groups.
Arnold was still a part of the group when its final album was released in 1971. The songs were written and delivered by Steve Martin, who also contributed to the band’s MGM recordings. The Best of Orpheus, a compilation that includes both their LPs and unheard songs, was released in 1995. Veteran musician Walter Crockett of Worcester noted Bruce’s voice was well-known, smooth, and blended well with other voices.
Over the years, Bruce Arnold’s work with Orpheus has garnered praise. When news of his passing spread, Twitter was flooded with condolences:
Arnold is survived by his wife Judy Arnold, his children John Mark Arnold, Oliver Arnold, and Gray Ainsworth, as well as his brother Les Arnold Jr. and other relatives.
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