Which musician is central to the modal jazz development with a notable big-selling album?

The central figure in the development of modal jazz who released a landmark big-selling album is Miles Davis. His album "Kind of Blue," released in 1959, is pivotal in the genre, showcasing a shift away from traditional chord progressions to a modal approach that emphasizes scales rather than chords. This innovation allowed for greater improvisational freedom and was influential in the evolution of jazz.

"Kind of Blue" is not only one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time but also played a crucial role in shaping the modal jazz movement, influencing countless musicians and styles that followed. While other musicians like John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Cannonball Adderley contributed significantly to modal jazz and released important works, it is Davis's album that stands out as a definitive milestone that popularized the modal jazz form.