Damien Rice

In the ’90s, Damien Rice—then going by the name Dodi Ma—sang for the Irish band Juniper, which later evolved into Bell X1 after he left over creative disagreements. ∙ Following his departure from Juniper, Rice busked around Europe and also tried his hand at farming in Tuscany. ∙ He recorded his debut album, 2002’s O, on mobile studio equipment bought by his second cousin, noted James Bond film composer David Arnold. ∙ To ensure complete creative control, Rice originally self-released O on his own label. ∙ In December 2011, British The X Factor winners Little Mix took a cover of Rice’s song “Cannonball” to No. 1 in the UK. ∙ Rice continued to busk even after his career took off and has been spotted singing on sidewalks with Glen Hansard and U2’s Bono.