I was just thinking about other artists who, like Prince, are mavericks in the music business. I seemed to be drawn to artists who reject the standard artistic career path.

In so many ways, I think P's career is somewhat similar to another favorite band of mine: Depeche Mode. Both artists share so much in common when it how they have crafted their careers and the response from the public/critics:

1. Opting for minor, independent labels.
2. Not really following the mainstream.
3. People believing they are gay.
4. Having a rebellious spirit; not following trends but setting them.
5. Not being taken seriously.
6. Maintaining a devout and loyal fan base regardless of the ebb and flow of their success.
7. Reclusivity: keeping it about the music rather than personal lives.
8. Making enemies in the press, particularly the British press.
9. Receiving flack for not participating in the "We Are the World"/"Band Aid" benefit (DM got called "skirt-wearing synth wimps" by Bob Geldof.
10. Consistently trying to create a different sound rather than emulate what other artists are doing.

Can you guys think of other artists who were unconventional/maverick figures?