Alan Rubin, American trumpet player (d. 2011)

Alan Rubin: The Legendary Trumpeter Behind Mr. Fabulous

Alan Rubin (February 11, 1943 – June 8, 2011), universally known by his iconic nickname "Mr. Fabulous," was a highly influential and immensely prolific American musician. Celebrated for his extraordinary versatility and powerful brass sound, Rubin mastered the trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet, becoming a go-to session player and a beloved band member for some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.

A Prodigious Talent Forged at Juilliard

Rubin's musical journey began early, leading him to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City at the remarkably young age of 17. There, he refined his craft under the tutelage of William Vacchiano, the revered principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. Vacchiano, a legendary instructor known for mentoring a generation of top brass players, famously considered Rubin his "best student," a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. This period at Juilliard provided Rubin with a formidable technical foundation that would underpin his diverse career.

During his time at Juilliard, Rubin faced a pivotal career choice that highlighted his independent spirit and early inclination towards diverse musical genres. He received an invitation to perform with the esteemed German composer Paul Hindemith on his final concert tour of the United States, an opportunity many classical musicians would consider a crowning achievement. However, Rubin, already drawn to the vibrant jazz and popular music scene, opted instead to play with the celebrated jazz vocalist Peggy Lee at the legendary Village Vanguard, a historic jazz club in New York City known for showcasing groundbreaking talent. This decision foreshadowed a career path defined by his adaptability and wide-ranging musical interests.

At the age of 20, demonstrating an early drive for professional touring, Rubin made the significant decision to leave Juilliard to become the lead trumpet player for popular singer Robert Goulet. This early professional touring experience provided invaluable on-the-road training and solidified his reputation as a reliable and dynamic brass player.

From Saturday Night Live to The Blues Brothers

Alan Rubin's career saw him become an integral part of two of America's most beloved and culturally significant entertainment institutions. He was a long-standing member of the revered Saturday Night Live Band, the house band for the iconic NBC sketch comedy show. His tenure with the SNL Band underscored his ability to perform a vast array of musical styles on demand, supporting countless musical guests and sketches. His visibility with the band extended to high-profile events, including the Closing Ceremony of the 1996 Olympic Games, where he showcased his talents to a global audience.

Perhaps Rubin's most widely recognized role was as "Mr. Fabulous" in The Blues Brothers. This character, a sharply dressed, impeccably cool trumpeter, first appeared in the hugely successful 1980 film and its 1998 sequel, Blues Brothers 2000. The nickname "Mr. Fabulous" was bestowed upon him by none other than John Belushi, one of the co-creators of The Blues Brothers, reflecting Rubin's smooth demeanor and undeniable musical prowess. Beyond the films, Rubin was a key member of The Blues Brothers touring band, continuing to perform the classic rhythm and blues repertoire for audiences worldwide.

A Master Collaborator: Six Thousand Sessions and Beyond

Alan Rubin's incredible versatility and sought-after talent led to an astonishing career as a session musician. He contributed to over 6,000 recording sessions, a staggering number that places him among the most prolific and in-demand brass players in music history. This meant he lent his distinctive sound to countless albums, film scores, and jingles across virtually every genre imaginable. His extensive discography is a testament to his musical chameleon-like abilities and his reputation for delivering precise and soulful performances. Rubin's collaborators read like a veritable who's who of music legends, spanning generations and genres:

• Jazz Icons: Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Cab Calloway
• Rock & Pop Superstars: Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Yoko Ono, Frankie Valli
• R&B & Soul Greats: Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, B.B. King, Dr. John
• Progressive & Fusion Artists: Frank Zappa, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Eumir Deodato

This remarkable list highlights not only the sheer volume of his work but also the profound respect he garnered from artists across the entire musical spectrum.

A Lasting Legacy: Final Performance and Enduring Impact

Alan Rubin's final public performance took place on October 12, 2010, with The Blues Brotherhood, a respected Blues Brothers tribute show, at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill in New York City. This iconic venue, a staple of the NYC music scene, provided a fitting stage for his last hurrah. The performance was a special occasion, also featuring his longtime colleagues and fellow Blues Brothers band members, trombonist Tom "Bones" Malone and saxophonist Lou "Blue Lou" Marini, underscoring the deep musical bonds he forged throughout his career.

Alan Rubin passed away on June 8, 2011, at the age of 68, due to lung cancer at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was cremated. His passing marked the end of an era for many in the music industry, but his extensive body of work, his iconic presence as Mr. Fabulous, and the countless musicians he influenced ensure his legacy as one of the most respected and beloved brass players of his generation will endure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alan Rubin

Who was Alan Rubin, also known as Mr. Fabulous?

Alan Rubin was an American trumpeter, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet player, renowned for his extensive session work, membership in the Saturday Night Live Band, and his iconic role as "Mr. Fabulous" in The Blues Brothers films and touring band.

What instruments did Alan Rubin play?

Alan Rubin was a master of the trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet.

Who gave Alan Rubin the nickname "Mr. Fabulous"?

The nickname "Mr. Fabulous" was given to Alan Rubin by John Belushi, one of the co-creators of The Blues Brothers.

Which famous musicians did Alan Rubin record or perform with?

Rubin's list of collaborators is incredibly vast, including legends like Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Duke Ellington, among many others.

How many recording sessions did Alan Rubin contribute to?

Alan Rubin contributed to an astonishing career total of over 6,000 recording sessions, solidifying his status as one of the most in-demand session musicians.

When and how did Alan Rubin die?

Alan Rubin passed away on June 8, 2011, at the age of 68, from lung cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.