Meet the Surprise 'Inspiration' of Lumineers

Herb Jackson is a well-regarded political reporter for the Record newspaper in New Jersey. He is also, much to his surprise, a muse. That became clear this week when Jeremiah Fraites of the group the Lumineers posted a crinkled newspaper image of Jackson on Facebook and explained, "Not sure who this man is, but I taped it to my keyboard 10 years ago, and he has never left my side. In the studio today and looking at him assures me creativity will flow. He's the real secret to our success."

Jackson instantly became a celebrity of sorts, and he's taking it in good spirits: "It’s clearly the most bizarre thing I’ve encountered in this job," he writes at the Record. "Not quite sure what it is about the picture that was inspirational to Fraites, but if it helps them get through their studio session, I’m glad to be of help. I know I needed some inspiration for the column I was supposed to write today." The Lumineers haven't explained, but NJ.com notes that Fraites and fellow Lumineer Wesley Schultz grew up in Bergen County, home of the Record. (More strange stuff stories.)