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
Trial of Michael Jackson defense attorney questioned the credibility of both Chacon and McManus. Attorney Tom Mesereau noted that both former Neverland employees had been a part of a lawsuit against Michael Jackson filed in the mid-1990s. The employees lost the lawsuit, and were ordered to pay Jackson's legal fees as well as tens of thousands of dollars for stealing property from Michael Jackson. Mesereau accused McManus and Chandler of attempting to "get even" with Jackson for the failed suit. Jordan Chandler, who was 25 at the time of the trial, chose to leave the country rather than testify, and the only person in