successful or having a hit song or cd is more beneficial to an artist than it would be for an artist anywhere else.

>fela had no desire to return to the US after being burned in
>LA.

but your very statement demonstrates it had nothing to do w/him not wanting the US success but for something else other than him not having the desire to be recognized in the US. And besides, Fela is an aberration and not the norm...
>
>TTD has cancelled a few tours in the US cause he didn't like
>it.
>
>The US does not have a good reputation for pay or treatment.

But the notoriety you get is unparalleled anywhere else for an artist.
>
>Again - NO. Speak to jazz musicians... they know Europe and
>Japan... bread and butter.

Jazz artists are not a good example to use for this discussion simply because ppl in the US aren't as receptive to Jazz as they once were which is why most jazz artists like to perform in countries like Europe and Japan which are big jazz lovers...
>
>No sir, there is no one general rule that states if you want
>to blow up playing America is where it's at. That sounds like
>a line from one of those made for TV Beatles Biopics. hahaha.

that is a *general* common sense rule. what other country will get you worldwide notoriety off a hit record moreso than the US?? This is precisely why American artists in *general* are known the world over more than artists from any other country.
>
>The man has lived quite well and just fine without any radio
>support, major label support etc.

that's good for him but don't think for a minute that that wasn't what he was after and he pretty much stated that in his interviews early on...his music started to become more esoteric and he had a hard time finding a large audience for his music after the 1st cd which resulted in label problems which is why he ended up going the independent route.
>
>He serves as one of the finer examples of independent
>artists.