Rounding Up the Unusual Suspects

Who among the following is a Grammy nominee this year?

A. Jimmy Carter

B. Dr. Ruth Westheimer

C. Steve Martin

D. Ann-Margret

E. None of the above

F. All of the above

Well, of course, it’s a trick question.

For the answer,

see F7.

If you guessed F, you are correct--and have a little too much time on your hands to know such details. But for you casual fans, here’s a look at some oddities among this year’s nominees.

You may recall Steve Martin, early in his stand-up career, coming onstage with a banjo, which at first seemed like a prop until he actually played it. Turns out he’s a dang good picker and he was called upon for an all-star version of the classic “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” (from the album “Earl Scruggs and Friends”) that is nominated in the country instrumental performance category.

Ann-Margret, nominated in a gospel category? Last year a member of the Light Crust Doughboys gospel group sent her some religious songs he’d written and suggested she perform them with backing from his group and from the legendary harmony ensemble the Jordanaires. The singer-actress has said the result “is a part of me that I have not had a chance to show.” Well, “God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions” also resulted in a nomination in the Southern, country or bluegrass gospel album category. If she wins, we’ll assume her acceptance speech won’t include a reference to her role in a recent touring production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Dr. Ruth? What? Did they add a “best sex advice recording” category? The truth is even weirder: The diminutive doyenne of ‘da nasty is nominated in the spoken word album for children category for “Timeless Tales and Music of Our Time.” The stories include “Little Red Riding Hood,” which, come to think of it, does have a bit of a sexual subtext.

Former President Jimmy Carter is not on the nominated “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack. Though can’t you hear him singing “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow”? He is nominated in the spoken word category for the recording of his book “An Hour Before Daylight.” Maybe the third time will be a charm: He was previously nominated in this category for “The Virtues of Aging” (1999) and “Living Faith” (1998).

For same-day coverage of the Grammys, beginning with this afternoon’s pre-broadcast awards, and a live fashion report, visit www.calendarlive.comgrammys.

The Grammy Awards will be shown (tape delayed) at 8 p.m. on CBS.