Who Knew?

Rev. Dr. Martin Noland, the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Evansville, Indiana, is one of those guys who generally stays out of the limelight. As a parish pastor he does a great job of preaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments, drawing attention to Christ rather than to himself. With only the occasional appearance on Issues, Etc. or the infrequent article on The Brothers of John the Steadfast, we don’t often see him. Thus it should come as no surprise that Dr. Noland doesn’t often allude to his colorful past in the music business.

Dr. Noland’s musical talents are no secret. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Director of Parish Music (DPM) certificate from Concordia River Forest. But what few people know is that Dr. Noland also lived a past life as a famous jazz musician. That’s right – he went by a stage name back then, Alan Rubin. Alan Rubin’s nickname was “Mr. Fabulous,” and he's played with greats such as Paul Simon, Bill Joel, and Eric Clapton, as well as playing his trumpet for such famous bands as The Saturday Night Live Band and The Blues Brothers. Did you see “The Blues Brothers” movie? He’s in it! Still doubting? Here’s the photographic proof.

Note the same flashy but yet conservative dress, and the wavy hair nearly touching the collar in the back. He’s aged very little over the years. About the only change is a bit of a graceful receding hairline. Who knew?

So the next time you run into Dr. Noland, ask him to play a lick or two on his trumpet. You’ll be glad you did.

For other factual oddities and LCMS secrets, check out these past groundbreaking stories on Stand Firm:

Pastor Walter Snyder moonlighting as Dr. Demento.

Pastor Todd Wilken making an exception to his no-autograph rule.

Pastor Bill Cwirla in his fatigues.

President-Elect Matt Harrison and his clone.

Pastor Todd Wilken wearing his kilt.

Dr. Larry Rast in dreadlocks.