@Scott Peterson brought this topic up on the today's albums thread. Thought it might lead to some interesting conversation or, at the very least, some interesting lists. Your ten favorite artists; have they had the success they deserve? More success than their talent should have brought them? Of course, the measure of success isn't the same for all of us so for this purpose, let's just go with the standards of music business success; hit records, fame, fortune.
Ten of my favorites in no particular order.
Bruce Springsteen - he deserves every bit of the massive success he's enjoyed.
David Baerwald - he hasn't had the success he should have. One of the best American songwriters, one of the sharpest wits and wickedest pens any writer has ever had.
Cold Chisel - from my American perspective, they've had the success they deserve in their homeland, but outside of Australia, Cold Chisel has been sorely ignored. I've never understood why they didn't catch on in America, especially during our weird Aussie fetish days of the 80s.
Tom Petty - he had the career he deserved, just not the years he deserved.
Mary Cutrufello - she should be more well-known and sell out larger venues. She's a great songwriter and a fantastic performer who still drives truck for a living.
Bob Dylan - who hasn't heard of him and heard his music? Bob's had the career he deserved and many of his songs have even given lesser artists success they didn't deserve.
Little River Band - the original band had the success they deserve and the Americans currently pretending to be the Little River Band are having more than they deserve. And they're on the county fair and casino circuit.
Steve Earle - he's maybe had a little less success than he deserved, but it was hard-won after his years of fucking up.
Drive-By Truckers - they won't have the success they deserve until every living person has heard every song they've done.
Bob Seger - He's much-loved, but I think he should be more respected. A great, solid career and he never let it consume him.
Edie Brickell..
Would she have had more, or less fame, had she not been married to Paul Simon?
One of my favourite songwriters, voices, and she just seems to be one of the nicest humans on earth. I feel like she has not really had her due because, well, she is seen as Mrs. Simon, isn't she? She can write a catchy hook and perfect pop song. But she also writes beautiful songs that get me every time... Lump in the throat stuff.
Has recorded a fair amount of material too. Solo, with New Bohemians, with Steve Martin, The Heavy Circles (with Paul's son Harper) and The Gaddabouts, with Steve Gadd, Pino Paladino and Andy Fairweather-Low. I think she jsut loves writing and making music with people, no matter the commercial success. I have always secretly hoped she and Paul would collaborate on a record but I doubt it is going to happen.