Elliott Murphy is a fantastic American poet rocker not unlike Billy Joël or Bruce Springsteen. He released something like 50 albums with a constant quality. He never really made it commercially in the U.S., but right from the start was revered as one of the greats in Europe. At one point he relocated in Paris.
Same thing for Maria McKee who relocated to Ireland after her original band Lone Justice only appealed to a dedicated fan base in the U.S. in spite of two killer albums and a great live reputation. She now is somewhat like a legend in Europe.
Sparks had two phenomenal albums out in the States that nobody knew about, and hit the big time after relocating to England with new band members and producers.
The same goes for the Ramones at an early stage. In Europe they emerged from one day to the other as the U.S. heralds (together with Patti Smith) of a whole new era that would be called punk.
These were all acts starting out in the 70s and 80s that are still around today, but maybe some of you have more recent examples of U.S. acts being (much) more successful abroad than in their homeland.
This question has been on the back of my mind for decades, and I now share it with you. I have no idea what your reactions will be like, but responses on Reddit are always interesting.
Although it is obvious to me why such acts are hugely successful (over here in Europe), I can't figure out why they never hit the same big time in their home country (but then again, I am not American so I don't have the answer).
Have a nice day everyone.