My website reboot is finally here.
For a decade, I had a site that was designed for someone with my techno-talent (just north of zero). But now, some nice people who have lots of skill – Pamela Weil, Matt Borghi, Ryan Hughes (my son) – have nudged me into the 21st-century.
This new version includes all the things I send to papers – stories, daily best-bets, a weekly top-10. It also adds brief news items and/or random comments, such as these:
1) CBS’ Motown tribute (Sunday, April 21) was splendid. There were some so-so bits between songs, but there were also truly great moments. I loved the rousing tribute to Motown women … And Stevie Wonder singing to the images of many departed Motowners, including his first wife, Syreeta Wright … And Diana Ross singing face-to-face to Motown founder Berry Gordy, 89 (shown here with Ross), who at various times was her boss, mentor, friend and lover.
2) By comparison, “Boss” (9-11 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, on PBS). Is poorly done, with lots of flat moments … but has a great story to tell. This shows us the past troubles (many) and triumphs (some) of black-owned businesses. It’s plodding, but thorough.
And it reminds us of something important: For a time, Motown Records was the No. 1 black-owned business in the U.S. Gordy is one of those rare guys who triumph in art and in commerce.