KIIM-FM radio personality Buzz Jackson was nominated on Thursday for a Country Music Association Award, his first ever CMA nod.
But he couldn't help feel a strong sense of déjà vu.
Two years ago, he was up for a similar honor with the Academy of Country Music, and on the list of fellow nominees was a name that struck a chord of fear for the 20-year veteran broadcaster: Baton Rouge DJ Scott Innes.
It wasn't Innes himself who intimidated Jackson; it was Scooby-Doo, the cartoon character Innes voiced for a couple of recent Hollywood films.
When it came to marketing street cred, Innes had him head to toes. Heck, Jackson protested at the time, his young daughter Elizabeth was rooting for Scooby.
"Am I bitter?" Jackson repeated the question Thursday morning, hours after his CMA nomination was announced. "Let's just say I have a 'No-Scooby' policy on the air."
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That policy apparently extends to celebrities. In a recent interview with country singer Tracy Lawrence, Jackson, who DJs KIIM 99.5's afternoon drive from 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays and is the station's program director, subtly changed the subject when the singer mentioned he had met Innes.
In addition to Innes and Jackson, nominees for the 2007 CMA for Medium Market Personality are Wichita's Dan Tooker in the Morning with Jon Watkins and Colby Ericson; Greenville, S.C.'s Ellis and Bradley in the Morning; and Knoxville's WIVK at Night with Jack Ryan.
This is KIIM-FM's third national industry nomination in two years. The station was up for a 2007 ACM for best medium market station; it lost.
Jackson, a graduate of Syracuse University who has been with KIIM since 2001, said his nomination is the station's first-ever CMA bid. The awards will be announced during a live ABC telecast from Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 7.
Jackson isn't the only Tucson radio personality getting a little national recognition. KRQQ (93.7-FM) morning show hosts "Johnjay and Rich" — Rich Berra and Johnjay Van Es — were nominated by Radio & Records magazine as "Morning Show of the Year." The popular show expanded into the Phoenix market in January 2006, where it airs on Kiss-FM (KZZP 104.7).
This is the pair's third consecutive nomination; they've never won the honor.
Those awards will be announced in late September.
Other nominees for CMA Awards
The Country Music Association on Thursday announced nominees for its 2007 CMA Awards, to be announced Nov. 7. The nominees, posted on the CMA's Web site (www.cmaawards.com/2007):
Entertainer of the Year — Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait and Keith Urban.
Female Vocalist of the Year — Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.
Male Vocalist of the Year — Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Josh Turner and Keith Urban.
Vocal Duo of the Year — Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland and the Wreckers.
Vocal Group of the Year — Alison Krauss and Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas, Dixie Chicks, Emerson Drive, Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts.
Album of the Year (awarded to artist and producer) — Brad Paisley's "5th Gear," produced by Chris Dubois and Frank Rogers; George Strait's "It Just Comes Natural," produced by Tony Brown and George Strait; Dierks Bentley's "Long Trip Alone," produced by Brett Beavers; Keith Urban's "Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing," produced by Keith Urban and Dan Huff; and Vince Gill's "These Days," produced by Vince Gill, John Hobbs and Justin Niebank.
Horizon Award — Rodney Atkins, Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town and Taylor Swift.
Single of the Year (awarded to artist and producer) — "Anyway," Martina McBride; "Before He Cheats," Carrie Underwood; "Lost In This Moment," Big & Rich; "Ticks," Brad Paisley; and "Wrapped," George Strait.
Song of the Year — "Anyway" (McBride), "Before He Cheats" (Underwood) "Give It Away" (Strait), "Lost In This Moment" (Big & Rich), "Stupid Boy" (Urban).
Musical Event of the Year — Reba McEntire with Kelly Clarkson, "Because of You"; Tracy Lawrence featuring Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney, "Find Out Who Your Friends Are"; Jimmy Buffett with George Strait and Alan Jackson, "Hey Good Lookin'"; Alison Krauss and John Waite, "Missing You"; Vince Gill with Alison Krauss, "The Reason Why."
Music Video of the Year (goes to director)— "Anyway," "Before He Cheats," "Moments," "Online," "You Save Me."
Musician of the Year — Drummer Eddie Bayers Jr., Dobro Jerry Douglas, guitarist Dann Huff, guitarist Mac McAnally and guitarist Randy Scruggs.
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