Bruce Arnold, best known as the lead songwriter and vocalist of soft-rock band Orpheus, has died aged 76 in Marin County. His family confirmed the death but did not provide a date or cause.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Arnold founded Orpheus in 1967. The group recorded four Talbums and six singles for MGM and Bell Records, including . It was the hit single “Can’t Find The Time”, which peaked at number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
‘Can’t Find the Time’ was revived when Hootie & the Blowfish covered it in the 2000 comedy film Me, myself and Irene, with Jim Carrey and Renee Zellweger.
Orpheus has played with bands such as Who, Cream, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Lovin’ Spoonful and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
“We were right in the middle of that,” Mr. Arnold said in an interview with the Marin Independent Journal in 2012. “But Orpheus didn’t sound like the music made by hip bands. We were off on our own tangent.
Arnold also pastored a Church of the Open Door congregation in Point Reyes Station from 1975 to 1987.
A statement from actor Chuck Norris was given to the Marin Independent Journal on Arnold’s passing
“His God-given talents in writing, singing and playing guitar were matched only by his ability to spread the gospel of Christ,” Norris said. “We will cherish our memories and know that his loving family will carry on his music and his message.”
Orpheus’ first album in over 50 years was in the works at the time of Arnold’s death.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Arnold and sons John Mark Arnold, Oliver Arnold and Gray Ainsworth; his daughter Erin Fish; his brother Les Arnold Jr.; and an extended family.
No memorial project has been unveiled.
