Find "Jazz" by Ken Burns - the book or the documentary (10 part series). It's the best way to get a comprehensive base and know who all the major players are.
Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/SWHtVQygaU63A
iTunes. https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/ken-burns-jazz/id258230275
Jelly Roll Morton - Arguably the first true jazz performer.
King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band
You would probably like the Ken Burns documentary on Jazz. It's available free if you have Amazon Prime. If you don't have Prime, you can sign up for a free one month trial.
http://www.amazon.com/Gumbo-Beginnings-to-1917/dp/B002P3OCUE