Question: who are the jazz greats?
Answer: Charles Mingus 1922-79. Most people know Mingus as a pioneering bass player, but to me he's the most raucous and inventive composer of his era. ... 
John Coltrane 1926-67. ... 
Mary Lou Williams 1910-81. ... 
Herbie Hancock 1940- ... 
Nat King Cole 1919-65. ... 
Miles Davis 1926-91. ... 
Keith Jarrett 1945- ... 
Kurt Elling 1967-