Art Pepper. Jazz legend?

I'm a casual jazz listener. I enjoy putting on jazz playlists, but I am not knowledgeable about the genre nor much about the musicians outside of the big names. Even those are just a few.


A few months back the song Diane by Art Pepper came on, and it immediately grabbed me. Since then I have listened to his stuff relatively frequently. I find myself going to a shuffle of Art Pepper now rather than generic jazz playlists when I am in the mood for some jazz, and I can't get enough of his work. From his big band to mellow songs, I love them all.

I am curious if he is considered a big player in the history of jazz or even in the legendary category along with the Miles Davises and such? Any of you jazz specialists out there fans of his stuff? Who are some other similar musicians that you would recommend?