Michael Jackson the most popular black singer ever." In 1990, "Vanity Fair" cited Jackson as the most popular artist in the history of show business. In 2003, "Daily Telegraph" writer Tom Utley described Jackson as "extremely important" and a "genius". In 2007, Jackson said: "Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever." At Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009, Motown founder Berry Gordy proclaimed Jackson "the greatest entertainer that ever lived". In a June 28, 2009 "Baltimore Sun" article titled "7 Ways Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson memorial service Michael Jackson memorial service A public memorial service for Michael Jackson was held on 7 July 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, twelve days after his death. The event was preceded by a private family service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Hall of Liberty in Hollywood Hills, and followed by a gathering in Beverly Hills for Jackson's family and close friends. Jackson's closed, solid-bronze casket, plated with 14-karat gold and lined with blue velvet, which was not originally expected to be at the memorial service, arrived just before 10:00 a.m. local time, when it was placed in