Which musician released a best-selling album that marked the development of modal jazz?

The release of the best-selling album that marked the development of modal jazz was indeed by Miles Davis. His album "Kind of Blue," released in 1959, is widely regarded as a pivotal work in jazz history. It was groundbreaking in its use of modal scales rather than traditional chord progressions, allowing for greater improvisational freedom and creativity among musicians.

"Kind of Blue" featured a remarkable lineup, including notable figures such as John Coltrane and Bill Evans, who also contributed to the modal jazz movement. However, it was Davis's vision and leadership that truly set this album apart, making it a landmark record that had a profound impact on the evolution of jazz. The modal approach introduced in this album opened new avenues for improvisation and composition, influencing countless musicians in the genre and beyond.