King of jazz? A more apt sobriquet might have been "King of Dance" or "King of Show", a fact incontestably proven by a glance at any of his classy film appearances, including "King of Jazz" and many others.
Personally, I do prefer Jean Goldkette and his Orchestra. Same time, same place, same kind of music.
Concerning Paul Whiteman, it should be mentioned, that he was a very social character. Read about what he had done for poor Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke when he was unable to play his cornet in Whiteman's orchestra because of abuse of alcohol.