Who gave New York its nickname?

M: Are you ready for the trip to the museum in the Big Apple? I can hardly wait.
W: The Big Apple? What are you talking about?
M: The Big Apple is the nickname for New York City. You are going to New York with us, aren’t you?
W: Yes, I’m going. I’m especially looking forward to seeing the Museum of Modern Art. There’s a special show of 20th century American painters there. But, tell me, where did the nickname the Big Apple come from?
M: The jazz musicians of the 1920’s are responsible for the name. When they played a concert in a city, they called that city an apple. Of course, New York was the biggest city in the country and the best place for a jazz concert. So, the musicians called it the Big Apple.
W: Amazing! New York is such a fascinating place and it even has an interesting nickname, one that it’s had for more than 50 years.