Replying to Who advanced/s the sport the most and how?

I'm new to the scene and would like to go back to where it all started and follow right up til now. Who was the Godfather? Who pushed the sport the most? Who made up the most new tricks? Who do you love now and why? Fav edit, fav skier, fav crew, fav trick, who is the best overall ...freeskiing, comp, backcountry, park, pipe, urban.... I really love the documentary Bones Brigade and want that similar background on skiing.