There are various compilations of the "Best of Blue Note." This is one of the best ways to get into jazz--all of the selections are important pieces, accessible, yet much more than easy listening pablum. You can then branch out based on which of the selections you find most enjoyable.
If I had to pick a single artist that I think almost everyone would like, it would be Mingus. Any of his iconic albums would have something that a jazz listener should like. The same probably could be said of Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet. Some of the other giants, like Coltrane, Monk, Davis, Gillespie, Dolphy, Hancock, Nelson are also reasonably accessible and at least some of their works should be well liked by any listener. It might take a bit more listening for most listeners to enjoy the likes of Coleman and Roland Kirk, but that is part of the learning process.