Who is recognized as the first great jazz soloist?

Louis Armstrong is recognized as the first great jazz soloist due to his revolutionary approach to music and his profound influence on the development of jazz as a soloist's art form. Armstrong's trumpet playing and distinctive vocal style brought a new level of improvisation and personal expression to jazz, setting a standard for future musicians.

He was a pioneer in transforming the way jazz music was performed and appreciated; his ability to improvise intricate melodies and rhythms inspired countless musicians and defined the role of the soloist in jazz ensembles. Armstrong's recordings in the 1920s, particularly with his group the Hot Five, showcased his virtuosic skills and heartfelt musicality, making a lasting impact on jazz history and paving the way for future jazz musicians to explore their own solo identities.

In contrast, other notable figures like Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie were significant contributors to the jazz genre but played different roles, focusing more on composition, arranging, or band-leading rather than solely on solo improvisation.