Many area people invite David Mueller into their homes, vehicles and workplaces each weekday morning.
But they probably know him by his radio personality — Jackson. Yep, that Jackson.
He’s the country music disc jockey at Greenwood’s Best Country, KIX 92.7, and host of the popular Jackson Show, which airs live from 5 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday on 92.7 FM. The 58-year-old native of St. Paul, Minnesota, has been in Greenwood for almost two years and has built an avid following for his morning show.
His firing from KYGO in Denver in June 2013 was well publicized by the national media after country singer Taylor Swift’s team reported that the DJ had groped her behind under her dress while posing for a photo at a meet-and-greet before a concert in Denver.
“I visited Greenwood on my own dime and really liked what I saw. It seemed like a place I would really enjoy. I like the people — most of them, anyway — and the small-town feel,” Jackson said. “I knew right away this might be the perfect fit.”
And so far so good, he says.
Business is booming at the radio station, and he has developed a faithful following at 92.7 FM. While he has put the Swift saga behind him the best he can, Jackson maintains his innocence.
“I was accused of something I absolutely didn’t do. I will always tell people that,” he said.
Jackson said he first picked up the stage name because his first morning show was alongside a guy also named Dave. He went with the name “Mongo” at the time, one he didn’t really like but accepted because it got him on the air doing what he wanted to do.
He got his first start in radio in San Diego making $5 hour doing whatever was needed before returning to his hometown in 2002. In his second stint, his pay rose to $8 per hour, and he eventually accomplished his ultimate goal of becoming an on-air personality with his own morning show.
Jackson also worked in large markets in Kansas City and Los Angeles, but he seems to be right at home in small-town USA.
“Most people in radio start out in small markets like this and then work their way up. I guess I did it in reverse, but this must just be the way things were meant to do,” he said. “I am quite happy here, and the people have been quite welcoming.”
Jackson recently added a new Outlaw Country segment on Friday nights that he has a lot of fun with on the air. He said he also works with area leaders and event organizers to promote good things happening in his community through his show.
“That’s just something I feel strongly about,” he said. “We should all do what we can to promote this town and everything that makes it great.”
When he is not in the station working or out drumming up advertising dollars, Jackson enjoys socializing with friends or watching sports. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Leflore County and volunteers for each of the nonprofits supported by the United Way.
•Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
