WWRL in New York City. Soul 16, The Big 16, Black Action Radio, Super 16. This legendary AM radio station was branded using several names in its long history serving the Black community.

If you read my book Powerhouse Radio, you know I was born in Manhattan and grew up in the borough of Queens, New York. Yup, I listened to Super 16 as a preteen and teen.

My video features a large assortment of the WWRL music surveys that I collected through the years. The number one song of each week is featured, as well as some of the on-air DJs pictured in several of the playlist surveys. 

And Michael

This bonus section is not specifically connected to the WWRL experience, but my opinion about the record breaking first weekend of the biopic Michael needs to be considered.

Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, is outstanding as the King of Pop. Nia Long as Catherine Jackson, and Colman Domingo as Joseph Jackson both offer strong performances.

My honest assessment of this flick is 7.5 out of 10, but because Jaafar amazes, I'll give Michael an 8, which is a strong B.

Musically, the placement and mixes of the songs really entertain throughout the 2 hour plus biopic. Executive music producer Harvey Mason Jr. captures electric excitement in the scenes with the mix of hot and mellow tracks. He learned a lot from his dad, Harvey Mason Sr., who I interviewed back in the day.

Storylines

Michael's silver screen story is great, but I think at least five storylines are missing.

1. Where's Janet? If you've read my review and watched my video of Janet Jackson's book True You, you know that these siblings had a special relationship that should have been a part of this movie.
2. The first Jackson 5 album was called "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5." This was a slick Motown marketing move in 1969 to get attention for the J5. That angle deserved some, if not a brief detail in Michael.
3. Mr. Jackson was married twice. His personal relationships are overlooked in the movie.
4. More of the Twenty-First Century Michael Jackson story demands inclusion. Much is missing in Michael after the Victory Tour ends.
5. Tabloid rumors are ignored. More could have been expanded about Michael's experience with pain relievers and the tragic consequences of his medication use. Michael Jackson's interest in a renaissance 2009 tour to coincide with This Is It rehearsals is missing in action.

Closing Michael Thoughts

What the professional critics say about Michael makes no difference to the King of Pop's global community of fans. They will support this movie with massive ticket sales to see their hero's story. In a contemporary context, Michael the artist, is bigger than Elvis, the icon.

Will there be a sequel that tells the rest of the story? Only time will tell.

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