Who was your first

Mapman , I had the pleasure of meeting Al Hirt at Moms in New Orleans about 20 years back.
I listen to Coltrane "My Favorite Things about one a month and each time I listen I still hear and learn something new from this recording.
I also have Mangione's Feels So Good I loved it when it first was released.My wife still enjoys it but I have to leave the room when she wants to hear it.Funny how things change over time.
Now,back to the question.1955 Count Basie "April In Paris"

Ferrari's post beat me to to it.Jazz is not Black or White.It is America's Music and appreciated all over the world

Detlof ,I would not call Chet Baker or Gerry Mulligans music contrived in any way.You might be referring to the different styles of the day. East Coast vs. West Coast with East Coast being more straight ahead and trying push the envelope so to speak

Detlof , Apologies are not necessary.You are not fans of Mulligan or Baker that's fine.I happen to be a fan,but that just me.I still appreciate your posts and insights.

I recall that Nat King Cole had a 15 minute TV show in the early 50's but that was short lived because no company was willing to stand up and sponsor the show.I also recall that the early group harmony sound prior to do-wop could not be heard on white run radio stations but these hardships are not why Nat Cole's music lives on.It was his talent and talent does not have a color